& 



x<r 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



SCHOOL HISTORY 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES, 



WITH 



Brief Notices of Mexico: 



ARRANGED FOR TOPICAL RECITATION, 



BY 



W. H. F. HENRY, 

i'RINOJPAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, THIRD DISTIUCT, PADUCAH, KY. 




PA DUG AH: 

MARTIN & CO., PUBLISHERS. 

• 1878 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1878, by 

W. H. F. HENRY, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 






TO 

WHOSE 

SYMPATHY AM© ASSBSTANiei 

IN THE 

PKOSECUTION OF THIS WORK 



HAVE BEEN 



\ 



f f t C t t OHR t tlQ ljti>ir8ttb. 



PREFACE. 



A History intended for schools should be so arranged sa to 
convey to the mind of the pupil, at a glance, a clear and definite 
knowledge of events, with their causes and effects. 

The Histories which are usually adopted in our schools arc 
seldom thoroughly learned by the pupil. The reason is obvious; 
they contain too many words and too little matter. They are 
verbose, chaffy and ill-arranged; they are neither topical, chrono- 
logical nor analytical ; in fact, they are wanting nearly every 
element necessary to constitute them good school books. So true 
is this, that teachers are compelled to epitomize and re-arrange 
their contents, to secure any degree of success in teaching them. 

To furnish a History of the United States, meeting the wants 
of the school-room, is the author's apology for placing this little 
volume before the public. Small though it is, he flattei's himself 
that he has herein condensed an authentic record of all the most 
important events concerning our Republic, so arranged as to 
attract and interest the student. By the Topical Headings and 
the various Tabulations he has endeavored to make the work 
Objective. 

The book is divided into four Parts, nnraely: Part I., 
embracing the Period of Discovery and Exploration ; Part II., 
including the Period of Settlement and Colonial History ; Part 
in., comprising Revolutionary History; and Part IV., .uiviug the 
history of the National Period to the present time. Each Part 



PREFACE. 



is complete iu itself, aud is subdivided into appropriate Sections. 
At the close of each Period, and also at the end of lengthy 
Sections, is given a Recapitulation, which, with the Tables of 
Battles, will be found of especial value. No labor has been 
spared to verify the statements herein made. 

Since one of the chief uses of hi-story in schools is to practice 
the children in reading with sufficient care to secure the ideas set 
forth in the text, the author would here suggest that the pupil, 
after careful reading or study of a Topic, be required to give 
independent expression of the information evolved by the text. 
Reciting by rote will not develop the power of expression. 
This"* is best attained by a faithful study of the dictionary, 
and by exercises in the application of words. 

The pupils should not only recite by topics, but their attention 
should also be drawn to the facts singly, by judicious questioning. 
No printed questions are insej;ted in the book, as the ingenious 
teacher will apply such as he may deem appropriate to the text. 
This method, iu connection with topical recitation, can not fail to 
awaken an interest in the mind of the learner, and lead him to a 
knowledge of the subject that will prove satisfactory and 
permanent. 

In manuscript, this history was fully tested in the school-room, 
with marked success. The ease and pleasure with which children 
acquired a definite and systematic knowledge of our country's 
history, together with the approval of several practical teachers 
who have examined the work, induced the author to offer it to the 
public — to stand or to fall by its own merits. 

Paducah, Ky., June, 1878. W-. H. F. H. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PART I. 

Period of Discovery and Exploration. 

PAGE. 

Introduction 11 

SECTION. 

I. Spanish Discoveries and Explorations ,.... 13 

II. The French in America 19 

III. English Discoveries 20 

IV. Discoveries of tlie Dutch 22 

V. Review of Explorations and Extent of Possessions. — Review of 

Discoverers and Explorers. — Chronology of Events Recorded 
in Part I. — Geographical Review 23 

PART II. 

Period of Settlement and Colonial History. 

I. History of Virginia. — .Jamestown Colony 29 

II. History of New England. — Plymouth Colony. — Massachusetts 

Bav Colonv. — Maine and New Hampshire. — Connecticut. — 
Rhode Island 34 

III. The Middle Colonies. — New York. — New Jersey. — Pennsylva- 

nia and Delaware. — Maryland 39 

IV. The Southern Colonies. — The Carolinas. — Georgia 42 

V. Inter-Colonial Wars. — King William's War. — Queen Anne's 

War. — King George's War. — The French and Indian War 43 

VI. Progress of the Colonies and their Condition Previous to the 

Revolution. — Recapitulation of Colonial Wars. — Chronology 
of Events Recorded in Part II 49 

PART III. 

The Revolutionary Period. 

I. The Revolution.— Events of 1775.— Events of 1776.— Events of 
1777.— Events of 1778.— Events of 1779.— Events of 1780.— 
Events of 1781.— After the War 54 

II. Recapitulation. — Battles of the Revolution. — Chronology of 

Events Recorded in Part III.— The First Settlements— Reviewed 73 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 7 

PART IV. 

National Period. 

I. Our Government. — Washington's Administration. — Adams's Ad- 
ministration. — Jefierson's Administration.^ Madison's Ad- 
ministration.— War of 1812.— Events of 1812.— Events of 
1813.— Events of 1814.— Closing Events of the War.— Re- 
capitulation. — Battles of the Second War with .England, — 
Chronology of Events Recorded in Section I (National 

Period.) 79 

II. Monroe's Administration. — John Quincy Adam's Administra- 
tion. — Jackson's Administration.— Van Buren's Administra- 
tion. — Harrison and Tyler's Administration. — Polk's Admin- 
istration. — The Mexican War. — Recapitulation, — Battles of 
the Mexican War. — Chronology of Events Recorded in 
Section II. — Map studies — Geographical Review 101 

III. Taylor and Fillmore's Administration. — Pierce's Administration. 

— Buchanan's Administration. — Lincoln's Administration 124 

IV. The Great Civil War— Events of 1861.— Events of 1862 — 

Events of 1863.— The Closing Conflicts, 1864-1865 —Recapit- 
ulation, — Battles won by the Confederates. — Battles won by 
the Federals. — Indecisive Battles of the War. — Chronology 
of Events Recorded in Sections III and IV- — Hayes's Ad- 
ministration. — Presidential. — Facts Concerning the Presidents. 
— Origin of the Names of the Ptatw — Reviewed. — Admission 
of the States — Reviewed. — Eminent American Inventors. — 

Americans Eminent in Literature and Art ..13" 

V. Johnson's Administration. — Grant's Administration. — Chronol- 
ogy of Events Recorded in Section V. — Conclusion 160 



ADOPTION. 



Paduoah, Ky., June 11th, 1878. 
At a meeting of the School Board, held this day, "Henry's 
School History of the United States" was adopted as the text- 
book of History in the Public Schools of this city. 

(Signed) T. C. Ballard, Secretary. 



A SUGGESTION TO TEACHERS. 



Since the geography and the history of a country should go hand 
in hand, the author would suggest the following method of using 
this work, adopted by many successful instructors: At the 
commencement of the study let each pupil be required to draw an 
outline map of North America on paper, about 9 by 12 inches in 
size. This should contain only physical features, viz: coast-line, 
mountains, lakes and rivers. As the pupils advance in the 
history, let them mark on their maps, day by da}', the places 
discovered, the settlements, battles, political divisions, etc., with 
their dates. They will thus see the country growing afresh under 
their hand and eye, and the geography and the history will be 
indissolubly linked. At the close of the term, their maps will 
show what they have done, and each name, with its dates, will 
recall the history which clusters around it. 



A SCHOOL HISTORY 

— OF THE — 

UNITED STATES 



PART I. 

PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION. 

1001-1680. 

INTRODUCTION. 

1. Location of the United States. — America, — lying be- 
tween the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, west of Europe and 
Africa, and east of Asia, —consists of two large continents: North 
America and South America, with a group of islands between, 
called the West Indies. These two continents are connected by 
the Isthmus of Panama (pan-a-mah'). 

The United States forms the middle division of North 
America, and extends from ocean to ocean, and from the 25th to 
the 49th degrees of north latitude. The Territory of Alaska is 
also a part of the United States. 

2. Ancient Remains. — In various portions of America, 
numerous remains of an ancient and civilized race of people have 
been found, indicating that thousands of years ago, America was 
inhabited by a highly civilized community that dwelt in towns 
and cities, had a regular form of government, and were skilled 
in the arts and the sciences. These people left no written records 



12 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of their history, and our knowledge of them is therefore vairue, 
and derived only from their relies. This unknown race flourished 
and passed away long before the Indians came to this continent; 
therefore, the Indians could give no account of them. 

3. Whence Came the Indians? -The history of the Indians 
is likewise involved in mystery, — all we know of them l)eing 
from tradition. They can tell us nothing of their origin, or ot 
their coming to this continent. We can only conjecture that they 
nmst have emigrated from Asia by way of Behring's (be'-rings) 
Strait. When found upon this Continent, east of the Mississippi, 
by the first European settlers, they did not exceed 200,000 in 
number. In Mexico, Peru and the Indies, however, there was 
an immense population. They had little or no inventive 
genius; had no cities, no ships, no churches, no school-houses. 
They have been truly termed the "Red Men of the Forest." 
They had no regular forms of government, but were divided 
into hostile tribes, with a chief, or sachem for ruler. They were 
constantly at war with one another, and their chief occu});itions 
were war and hunting, — their weapons being simply the bow 
and arrow. The sole training of their boys was for war and 
the chase. The women performed all the labor and drudgery. 
The disiX)sition of the Indian was morose, crafty, treacherous 
and cruel; and he accuston)ed himself to endure great fatigue 
and horrible tortures without sign of anguish. He believed 
in the existence of a Supreme Being and in a future state of 
happiness and immortality. The Indian of to-day, in all his 
characteristics, is the same as he was three hundred years agt). 

4. Supposed Discovery of America.— Lief Erickson, a noted 
Icelandic captain, is supposed to have sailed westward from 
Greenland, in the year 1001, and, landing on the present coast of 
Labrador, explored the country as far south as Massachusetts. 
The Northmen, a hardy race of Norway and Sweden, also claim 
to have visited Ameiica about this time. As there are no 
authentic records confirming these discoveries, it is safe to suppose 
that the continent was unknown to Europeans till the grand 
discovery of Columlius, in 1492. 

5. The Mariner's Compass.— This invaluable little instrument 
was invented about the year 1302, by an Italian. It is in 
appearance somewhat like a watch, having a magnetic needle, 
which always points to the north, tluH enabling seamen to trace 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 13 

their course on the l)road ocean. Before this true friend of the 
mariner was known, the only guides the sailor had were the sun 
by day and the stars by night ; but when these were obscured by 
clouds, he' could not, with certainty, find his way. Hence, the 
Compass gave a new impetus to navigation. 



SECTION I. . 
SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 
1492—1565. 

1. Columbus. —Christopher Columbus was born at Genoa, 
(jen'-o-ah) Italy, in 1435. When a boy, he worked at his father's 
trade, - that of wool-comber. During his youth he met with 
many adventures on the Mediterranean Sea, and at one time, in 
battle with the Venetians, his vessel was burned, but he saved 
his life by swimming ashore. 

From the study of Astronomy, he formed the opinion that the 
Earth is round like a ball, instead of flat, as almost all the people 
of his time believed. 

2. Object of Commercial Men. — The great desire of commercial 
men of Europe at this time, was to find a nearer and less 
dangerous passage to the East Indies than was then known. 
From the East Indies many of the necessaries and luxuries of life 
were obtained. The route then followed was to sail on the 
Mediterranean Sea to the Isthmus of Suez, cross this isthmus on 
camels and horses, and, re-shipping their effects, traverse the Red 
Sea and the stormy Indian Ocean. To find a more commodious 
and better route was therefore of great importance to the whole 
of Europe. 

The only man competent to open up a new way to the Indies 
was Columbus, and it seems that Providence had prepared him 
•for the work. Columbus believed that this goal could be reached 
by sailing directly westward across the Atlantic Ocean. 

3. Columbus Seeks Aid.— With this object in view, Columbus 
applied first to the government of his native city, Genoa, for the 
means to make the experiment, but, believing him to be a mere 
dreamer, they refused to render him assistance. He next applied 
to the Court of Lisbon, but, after listening to his representations 



14 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

with seeming encouragement, tlie king secretly sent out an 
expedition in the hope of anticipiting Columbus in his great 
undertaking. The comuiander of this enterprise was, however, 
incompetent for the attempt, and returned without accomplishing 
anything. 

After many disappointments and much delay, Columbus finally 
obtained an outfit from Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. 

4. The Outfit. - ThV outfit thus provided consisted of ninety 
men, provisions for one year and three small vessels — the Nina, 
(ne'-nah), the Pinta, (peen'-tah), and the Santa Maria, 
(mah-re'-ah.) 

5. America Discovered. —His heirt bounding with hope, 
Columbus set sail in- his little fleet, from Palos, (pah-los'), Spain, 
Du the 3d of August, 1492. He steered his course southward to 
the Canary Islands, ofl" the coast of Africa, and, after refitting 
his vessels and replenisliing his supplies, struck out boldly to the 
west. Soon, they were far out upon the (then) unknown deep, 
farther than any other navigators had dared to venture. For 
ages a terrible mystery had brooded over the nughty waters of the 
Atlantic ; superstition lent additional horrors to the fears of 
adventurers. It was said that the Evil One hovered over the 
far off billo\fs of the ocean, enticing the venturesome to destruc- 
tion. 

No wonder, then, that the sailors of Columbus were inclined 
to mutiny, seeing that they were going nearer and nearer to this 
dreaded apparition, and believing that they should never see land 
again. But Columbus, by his firmness and eloquence, allayed 
their fears. On the 12th of October (1492), they discovered 
land, which proved to be one of the Bahama (ba-ha'-mah) islands, 
a group of the West Indies. 

6. The Landing. When Columbus and his men landed, they 
knelt upon the ground and gave thanks to God for his guidance. 
The devotional exercises of the Roman Catholic Church were 
performeil, the royal banner of Spain was unfurled, and the 
new-found land claimed for the monarch of Castile. During 
these formal proceedings, the natives, who weie different from any 
other i>eople ever before seen, crowded around, at a res{)ectful 
distance, gazing with mingled astonishment and admiration up(»n 
all they saw. They believed the Spaniards to be Heavenly 
beings that should be adored. 



DLSCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 15 

7. The Island. — The island thus discovered was called l)y the 
natives, Guanahani, (gwa-uah-hali'-nee), but Columbus named it 
San Salvador, by which it is still known. Believing it to be a 
part of the East Indies, he named the inhabitants Indians. 
Leaving San Salvador, Columbus sailed southward, discovering 
the large island of Cuba. 

8. Homeward. —After examining this island, — enjoying its 
delightful climate, partaking of its luxurious vegetation, and 
making favorable impression upon the natives, — Columbus started 
homeward, (January, 1493.) On the passage, he encountered a 
terrible storm, in which his frail vessels were almost wrecked. 
During the prevalence of the tempest, he wrote on parchment a 
short account of his discovery, sealed this securely in a cask, and- 
threw it into the sea, — trusting, that should the ships go down, 
this might survive, and, perchance, notify the world of his 
success. His return houie was hailed with great rejoicing, and 
the highest honors were heaped upon him. 

9. Other Voyages of Columbus. — Columbus made three other 
voyages to America. On his third voyage, (Aug. 10th, 1498), 
he discovered the continent, or main land, on the north-eastern 
coast of South America. At various times he was misrepresented 
by his enemies, who were envious of his justly earned fame. He 
never knew, however, that he had discovered a new world: he 
thought that the new-found land was a part of the East Indies. 

10. Character of Columbus. —Columbus was remarkable for 
boldness, great firmness and untiring perseverance. A student 
all his life, his mind was highly cultivated and stored with the 
learning of his time. His views regarding the earth, were in 
advance of the day, and though he lived in an age of superstition, 
yet he seems to have been free from absurdities. In person, he 
was tall and commanding, and of pleasing address. He died at 
Valladolid, (val-ya-do-leed'), Spain, in 1506, at the age of 71. 
His remains now lie in the Cathedral of Havana, Cuba. 

11. Voyage of Vespucci. -The discovery of the New World 
created intense excitement throughout Europe. The wildest 
speculations were rife, and the popular mind was still more 
aroused, when, in 1499, Americo Vespucci, (ah-mah-ree'-go 
ves-pooch'-chee), a Florentine, in the employ of Spain, visited the 
continent, explored the eastern coast, and, returning to Europe, 



16 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

published a glowing account of his explorations. In this account 
he ignored the claims of Columbus, and, being wealthy and 
influential, his name was given to the land that should be called 
Columbia. 

12. Florida Discovered. — Florida was first visited in 1512, by 
Ponce de Leon, (poon'-tha da-la'-on), whose object in going 
thither was to discover a fountain whose waters were said to have 
the power to restore to old age the vigor of youth. The story of 
this rejuvenating fountain was a myth, related by the Indians to 
allure adventurers into the marshes and dense forests of an 
unknown wilderness. In his search for the fabled waters, he 
encountered the hostile natives, and was slain in l)attle. Florida 
was so called, because De Leon saw it first on Easter Sunday, — 
Pasqua Florida, the Feast of Flowers. 

13. Pacific Ocean Discovered. — A Spaniard named Balboa 
discovered the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 26th, 1513, while ascending 
the mountains of the Isthmus of Panama. 

Magellan, a Spanish sailor, was the first European to sail 
upon the Pacific, (1519). On account of its calm and peaceful 
appearance when first traversed, he gave it the name Pacific. He 
was also the first that sailed around the world, (1519-21.) Sir 
Francis Drake, an English njivigator, made the voyage some 
years after. It was then regarded a great undertaking, — 
requiring two or three years; but it is now accomplished in a few 
months. 

14. Mexico Discovered and Conquered. — Mexico was discov- 
ered by Grijalvah, (gre-haul'-vali), in 1518. It was conquered 
by Hernando Cortez, in 1521. Cortez was a bold, unscrupu- 
lous Spaniard, whose object in coming to Ameinca was gold and 
adventure. He was a religious bigot, and thought it was serving 
God to kill or enslave all Indians that would not embrace the 
Roman Catholic faith. His course was, however, an error of the 
age in which he lived. 

15. Montezuma and His Fate. — Cortez landed on the coast of 
Mexico in 1519, and, with an army of 600 men, began his 
invasion of the country. The people of this realm were partly 
civilized, lived in towns and cities, had a regular form of govern- 
ment, and were apparently contented. They had made consider- 
able advancement in the arts, and though they had no written 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 17 

language, yet their picture-writing, or hieroglyphics answered all 
their purposes. 

The king of Mexico at this time, was Montezuma. His 
kingdom abounded in gold. Many utensils for domestic use, as 
well as ornaments of various kinds, were made of the precious 
metal. 

Montezuma ordered Cortez to leave the country, but the daring 
adventurer p lid no heed to the command. Though resisted by 
many times his force, he advanced to the capital, spreading 
dismay among the inhabitants, who regarded the Sjianiards as a 
superior race of beings, clothed with immortality. This belief 
was soon dispelled, however, when the first Spaniard was slain. 
Cortez fought many bloody battles with the people of this famous 
empire, in every one of which, he was victorious, losing but few 
men. The Mexicans fought with furious desperation, but they 
could not withstand the firearms and the horses of the Spaniards. 
The sound and the flash of muskets and cannon produced 
unbounded terror among them ; and the horses caused the utmost 
fright wherever they were ridden. It should be borne in mind 
that horses were unknown in America till the Spaniards brought 
them from Europe. Thus, a single Spaniard, well armed and 
mounted, could rout a whole host of the superstitious Mexicans. 

Montezuma was captured, and while a prisoner, was induced 
by the crafty Cortez to mount the walls of the city and beseech 
his subjects to desist from hostility against the Spaniards. Justly 
indignant at their monarch's timidity, the Mexicans hurled stones 
and arrows upon him, and he fell mortally wounded. 

16. Guatimozin. - Montezuma's successor was Guatimozin, 
(gwah-te-mo'-zin), a young nobleman, brave, but unfortunate. 
He was taken prisoner by Cortez; and to cause him to reveal the 
place of his hidden treasures, he, with his principal officer of 
state, was prostrated upon a bed of live coals. The chief officer, 
in his agony, looked toward his sovereign, as if to ask permission 
to tell where the treasures were concealed. Guatimozin rebuked 
him by exclaiming,- "Am / on a bed of roses f" They both 
expired with great fortitude, and the cruel Spaniard knew not the 
place of the coveted gold. 

The death of their king and the terrible success of their enemy, 
completely disheartened the Mexicans, and the Spaniards took 
possession of the country, (1521). 



18 HISTORY OF THE UNITKD STATES. 

17. Last Days of Cortez.— Thu:^ were an innocent and happy 
people despoiled of their natural rights and trampled upon by a 
remorseless adventurer. Cortez did not, however, obtain the 
wealth and distinction his ambition craved. He died poor and in 
obscurity, - despised and neglected by his king and country. 

18. De Ayllon. In 1520, Vasquez de Ayllox, (vas'-keth da 
al'-yon), a wealthy Spaniard, undertook an expedition to America, 
and, landing on the present coast of South Carolina, decoyed a 
number of the natives on board his Heet, and steered for home, 
intending to sell them in Europe as slaves. Three of the vessels 
were wrecked, and most of the Indians were drowned. De Ayllon 
was honorably received by his government, and was sent on 
another kidnapping expedition ; but this was unsuccessful, 
resulting in De Ayllon's pecuniary ruin. Thus ended the iir.st 
attempt to enslave the Indians, who, thenceforth, lost all confidence 
in Spanish honor. 

19. Expedition of Navaez.- In 1528, De Navaez, (da-nar-va'- 
veth), attempted to conquer Florida. He exj)ected to find a rich 
em})ire, such as Cortez had found in Mexico; but his men, 
wandering through the dense forests, deceived by Indian guides, 
and defeated by the liostile natives, suftered terribly. In 
endeavoring to return to the West Indies, they were shipwrecked, 
and only four men escaped. These, after several years of 
wandering and incredible hardships, reached home. 

20. The Mississippi Discovered. — De Soto, a Spanish 
nobleman, with 6U0 selected soldiers came to America in 1539, 
and, landing on the western coast of Florida, traveled north- 
westward across the country, fighting hostile Indians on the way, 
until his magnificently e(piippod army, — consisting mostly of 
young and adventurous noblemen, — was reduced to about 2(>0. 

In 1541, he discovered, near the present western boundary of 
Tennessee, a large river, which the Indians called the "Great 
Fafher of Waters." This was the Mississippi, and De Soto and 
his men were the first Europeans to behold it. 

While sailing down the river with the wreck of his army, De 
Soto died of a malignant fever, and was buried within its waters, 
"which have since been the tomb of thousands." 

21. Enterprise of Melendez. — In 1565, the king of Spain, — 
the bigoted Philip II., — sent Pedro Melendez, (me-len'-deth), "a 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIOXS. 19 

soldier of ferocious disposition and criminal pi'actices," to colonize 
Florida. Tlie real object of this expedition was to break up and 
destroy a colony of French Protestants, called Huguenots, who 
the year before, hud made a settlement near the mouth of the St. 
John's river,r~territory claimed by Spain. 

22. The Oldest Town. — Melendez with his men^^landed on the 
iiorth-eastern shore, near the mouth of a small river, on St. 
Augustine's day^ (2d of September) Here he laid the foundation 
of the town of St. Augustine^, (Sept., 1565) — the oldest settle- 
ment, by forty-two years, within the United States. 

23. The Huguenots Murdered. -Melendez next turned his 
attention to the Huguenots, whom he found and attacked. The 
Huguenots put to sea in their vessels, but a furious storm arose 
and dashed to pieces every sliip in the fleet. Most of them, 
however, reached the shore. Here they were attacked by the 
forces of Melendez; and men, women and children were alike 
butchered^— only a few escaping. It is here pertinent to say that 
a French soldier named De Gourges, revenged this massacre, 
tliirty years after, by attacking the Spanish colony at St. Augus- 
tine and hanging about thirty of the leaders to branches of trees. 



SE(JTION H. 

THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. 

1524—1680. 



1. Voyage of Verazzana. — The spirit of discovery and adven- 
ture was not confined to Spain alone. In 1524, a remarkable 
exploration of the North American coast was made by 
Verazzana, (ver-at-za'-nah), an Italian, in employ of the French 
government. He explored the whole Atlantic shore from Florida 
to New Foundland, claiming the region in the name of the king 
of France, and calling it New France. Returning home, he 
published a map and an account of his explorations, which were 
of value to future navigators. 

2. The St. Lawrence Discovered. — In 1534, James Cartier, 
(kar-te-ah') , sent out by the king of France, discovered and 



20 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

explored the Gulf and tlie Kivor of St. Lawrence. He made 
another voyage to this region, and attempted to found a colony, 
but with no permanent succe.ss. Not finding any gold here, the 
French did not at this time attach much value to their St. 
Lawrence possessions. 

3. First Permanent French Colony. — Various attempts were 
made l)y the French to establish colonies in their possessions; 
namely,— by Roberval, in 1539, by John Ribault, (re'b(0, in 
1562, and by Laudonnieri:, in 1564, — but their efforts were 
unsuccessful, till in 1605, De INIonts and Champlaix, (sham- 
plane') brought a colony from France, and settled on the western 
coast of Xova Scotia, naming the settlement Fort Royal. This 
was two years before Jamestown, Virginia, was founded, — an 
account of which is given in the "English Settlements." 

4. Champlain's Enterprise. — In 1608, Champlain founded 
Quebec, Canada; and in 1609, he explored the interior of that 
region, discovering lakes Huron and Champlain, giving his name 
to the latter. 

5. Explorations of Marquette.— James Marquette, (mar- 
ket'), a Jesuit missionary, full of zeal for the Catholic Church, 
explored the region of lakes Huron and Michigan, at the liead of 
a small company; and in 1673, he discovered the Missouri river. 
He also explored the region now forming the State of Illinois. 
His chief object was to convert the Indians to Christianity. 

6. Explorations of La Salle.— The energetic missionary, La 
Salle, (lah sale') was tlie next to explore the Mississippi and the 
lake region. In 1679-80. he visited many of the localities about 
the head waters of the Mississippi, giving the names which they 
now bear. To all of the region west of the Mississippi he gave 
the name of Louisiana, in honor of his sovereign, Louis XIV. 



SECTION III. 

ENGLISH DISCOVERIES. 

1497—1607. 

1. The Cabots. — The English were not behind other nations in 
enterprise and discovery. John Cabot and Sebastian, his son. 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS 21 

were commissioned by Henry VII., king of England, to undertake 
voyages of discovery. The design of the English, unlike that of 
the Sp:iniards, was acquisition of territory and colonization. In 
1497, Joliii C:',bot made his first voyage in quest of new lauds, 
and on June 24th, discovered the main land of North America 
on the coast of Labrador. This was one year before Columbus 
discovered Sautii America, and two years before Vespucci visited 
the continent. 

Sebastian Cabot inherited his father's plans and reputation, 
"and to his father's genius added a greater genius of his own." 
In 1498, he commanded an expedition in search of a north-west 
passage to India, — a folly of the times. After various unsuccess- 
ful attempts to penetrate the ice of the frozen zone, he returned 
to England 

2. Voyage of Sir Humphrey Gilbert. — After the explorations 
of the Cabots, the English sent out several expeditions in search 
of a fabled lan<l of gold, in the vicinity of Labrador, but this 
Eldorado jDroved to have been a story invented by the 
Esquimaux. 

The first attempt of the English to colonize America was made 
by the brave Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who, under authority of 
Queen Elizabeth, endeavored to establish a settlement at New 
Foundland, (1583). The enterprise was unsuccessful. On the 
passage back to England, Gilbert's vessel was lost in a storm, and 
all on board perished. The other vessel of the expedition reached 
home in safety. 

3. Enterprise of Sir Walter RaleigL— This English nobleman 
under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth, made a voyage to 
America; and, in 1587, established a temporary settlement on the 
island of Koanoke, (ro-an-oke') , oflT the present coast of North 
Carolina. Here the first white child of English parents in 
America was born. Her name was Virginia Dare. 

Raleigh called the lands he explored, Virginia, in honor of 
Elizabeth, who was called the Virgin Queen. 

He was the first European to discover the use of tobacco, which 
was, until then, unknown in Europe. He also introduced into 
the old country, the potato, which, like tobacco, is a native 
product of America. 

4. Fate of Raleigll. - Sir Walter Raleigh was peculiarly unfor- 



22 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tunate. When Jarae> I. succeeded Elizabeth to the throne of 
England, Raleigh was arrested for alleged conspiracy aiiainst the 
king, and confined in prison for 13 years, during which time he 
wrote a history of the world. He was finally released; hut a 
short time after, was tried on the old charge and Iteheaded. He 
was a gallant and cultivated man. 

5. Bartholomew Gosnold — In 1602, Baktholomkw Gosnold, 
by authority oi the English goveinment, was the next to explore 
the shores of North America. He pursued a direct course a(?ross 
the Atlantic, instead of the circuitous route followed by his 
predecessors. Hitherto, ships from the ports of England, France 
and Spain, sailed first southward to the Canary Islands, thence to 
the West Indies, and thence northward to the coast-line of the 
continent. By departing from this long and round-al)Out way, 
and sailing directly across, Gosnold reached the const of Mai^ie in 
seven weeks. He discovered and explored Cape Cod, Nantucket, 
Martha's Vineyard, and the Elizabeth Islands, on the coast of 
Massachusetts. His main object was to found a i-olony, but none 
was successfully established. 

6. Other Attempts to Colonize. -In 1603, Martin Pking 
sailed for America, and, exploring the region of Gosn' Id's di.^cov- 
eries, loaded his vessel with sassafras, and returned home. 

The last voyage made by the English, preparatf)ry to the actual 
establishment of a colony in America, was made by George 
Waymouth, in 1605. "The time had at last arrived when, in 
the beautiful country of the Chesapeake, a permanent settlement 
should be effected." (See Virginia.) 



SECTION IV. 

DISCOVERIES OF THE DUTCH. 

1609—1610. 

1. Voyages of Henry Hudson.— In 1607, Sir Henry Hudson, 
an illustrious English nt)bleman, was employed by a company of 
London merchants, to attempt a discovery of a north-west pa.ssage 
to the Indies. He attained a higher point of latitude than was 



EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES. 23 

ever iiefore reached, but the iceburgs on the coast of Greenland 
and Spitzbergen prevented his further progress, and he was 
obliged to return to England. 

2. Hudson in Employ of the Dutch.— At this time Holland 

was the foremost maritime nation of the world. His owii 
government refusing him further aid, Hudson went to Amster- 
dam, Holhiiid, and was at once furnislied with the means by the 
Dutch East In<lia Company, to prosecute his proposed discovery 
of a north-west passage. He proceeded on his voyage in 1609, 
and in his unsuccessful effons to open up the coveted passage, he 
discovered and explored Manhattan island and the beautiful 
river which bears his name. After trading with the natives of 
the vicinity and enjoying the picturesque scenery, he steered for 
Holland. 

3. Hudson Again in English Employ.— The English merchants 
were now willing to grant assistance to Hudson. They were 
somewhat chagi-ined that he had been compelled to seek aid of 
Holland, and also envious of his discoveries in behalf of the 
Dutcli. (Strange to say, they claimed these discoveries on the 
ground that Hudson was an English subject: also, on the strength 
of Cabot's discovery of the continent. These counter claims 
caused much trouble afterward. These merchants furnished him 
with an outfit, and in 1610, Hudson again attempted to find a 
northwest passage 

4. Fate of Hudson. — He discovered the large bay that bears 
his name, and while exploring it to find a north-west outlet, his 
ship was blocked up among the ice. His sailors became disheart- 
ened, and though spring, with its genial warmth, had now come, 
they mutinied, and cast him with his son and four others adrift in 
a small boat. Nothing more was ever heard of the unfortunate 
Hudson and his companions. 

5. New Netherland. — The Dutch possessions in America were 
called "New Netherland," and were valued by them chiefly on 
account of the fur trade. 



SECTION V. 
EXPLORATIONS AND POSSESSIONS— REVIEWED. 
1. Extent of Spanish Explorations. — The Spaniards confined 



24 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

their explorations and settlements to the West Indies and the 
adjacent mainland, and in the present limits of the United 
States made settlements only in Florida and New ^Mexico.* 

The Spaniards claimed possession of tlie West Indies, Yucatan, 
Mexico, Florida, a large ])ortion of the present Southern States, 
and the Pacific coast. They based this claim on the rights of 
discovery and exploration. The islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, 
alone remain of all their former v;ist possessions in America. 

2. Extent of French Explorations. — The French had explored 

the Great Lakes, the Mississippi and its shores, from the Falls of 
St. Anthony to the Gulf; a large portion of the States now 
bordering on those waters; and the Canadas and Acadia, — the 
latter now called Nova Scotia. All of this region they styled 
"New France," and claimed possession of the same by right of 
exploration. The English also laid claim to it by virtue of pre- 
vious discovery, — by the Cabots. Hence, the cause of future 
contention and war. 

3. Extent of English Explorations. — Tiie English had 
explored the Atlantic coa.st at various times, and claimed this 
vast territory, naming it Virginia. This was also partly claimed 
by the French, as "New France." 

4. Extent of Dutch Explorations. —The Dutcii laid claim to 
New Netherlands, by virtue of Hudson's explorations. 



REVIEW OF DISCOVERERS AND EXPLORERS. 

SPANISH. 

Coluinbus discovered America, Oct. 12th, 1492. 

Cuba, November, 1492. 

the Continent, August 10th, 1498. 
Vespucci explored Atlantic coast, 1499. 
De Leon discovered Florida, April Gth, 1512. 



*New Mexico was explored by Espejo, (es-pa'-ho), who, in 1582, 
founded Santa Fe, (fay), which is the second oldest town in the United 
States. 



EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES. 25 

Balboa discovered the Pacific, Sept. 26th, 1513. 

Grijalvah " Mexico, 1518. 

De Aylloil explored coast of America, 1520. 

De Narvaez '" Florida and Gulf region, 1528. 

Magellan " western and southern coast, 1519-21. 

De Soto discovered the Migsissippi, 1541. 

Melendez explored coast of Florida, 1565, 

FRENCH. 
Verazzana explored Atlantic coast, 1524. 

James Cartier discovered Gulf and River of St. Lawrence, 1534. 
Cliamplaill and De Monts explored region of Great Lakes, 1605-8. 
Ribault and Laudonniere explored Florida, 1562-64. 
Marquette and La Salle explored Mississippi Valley, 1673-82. 

ENGLISH. 
The Cabots discovered and explored the Continent, 1497. 
Sir Francis Drake* explored western coast, 1578-80. 
Sir Humplirey Gilbert explored north-eastern coast, 1583. 
Sir Walter Raleigh " middle coast, 1587-89. 

Bartholomew Gosnold " coast of New England, 1602. 
Pring and Waymouth " " " " " 1603-5. 

DUTCH. 
Henry Hudson discovered Manhattan Island and Hudson River, 
1609-10. 

RECAPITULATION. 
CHRONOLOGY OP EVENTS RECORDED IN PART L 

(PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.) 

1001. Lief Erickson's supposed discovery of America. 

1302. The Mariner's Compass is invented. 

1435. Christopher Columbus is born at Genoa, Italy. 



■The English gained nothing by Drake's expedition; his object was to 
enrich himself by preying upon Spanish merchant vessels. 

3 



26 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

1492. Columbus starts on his voyage of discovery, August .'id. 

1492. " discovers America, Oct. 12th. 

1493. " starts homeward, January. 

1497. John Cabot discovers tho Continent, June 24th. 

1498. Columbus " " " Aug. 10th. 

1499. Vespucci " " '• 

1506. Columbus dies at Valladolid, Spain, aged 71. 

1512. Ponce de Leon di-scovers Florida, April 6th. 

1513. Balboa " the Pacific, Sept. 26th. 

1518. Grrijalvali " Mexico. 
1519-21. Magellan sails around the world. 

1519. Cortez goes to conquer Mexico. 

1520. De Ayllon explores middle coast of North America. 

1521. Cortez completes the conquest of Mexico. 

1524. Verazzana explores Atlantic shores of North America. 
1528. De Narvaez explores Florida and the Gulf region. 

1534. James Cartier discovers the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

1535. " " explores St. Lawrence River. 
1539. De Soto makes an expedition to America. 
1541. " discovers the Mississippi. 

1562-64. Laudonnlere colonizes Florida, but is driven away. 
1565. Melendez founds St. Augustine, the oldest town. 
1583. Sir Humphrey Gilbert attempts to colonize Newfoundland, 
1587. Sir Walter Raleigh " " " Roanoke. 

1587 Raleigh introduces tobacco and potatoes into Europe. 
1587. Virginia Dare, the first white child of English parents, 
born in America. 

1602. Bartholomew Gosnold attempts to colonize New England. 

1603. Martin Pring " " " 
1605. George Waymouth " " " 

1605. Champlain founds the first French colony, at Port Royal. 

1608. Champlain founds (Quebec. 

1609. Henry Hudson seeks for a north-west pa.ssage to India. 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 27 

1609. Henry Hudson discovers Manhattan, and Hudson River. 

1610. " " " Hudson Bay. 

1673. Marquette explores the Mississippi and lake region. 
1679-80. La Salle " '' " " " 



28 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW. 

Note to the Teacher. — Require the pupil to luake a copy 
of the map, and to Avrite, in its proper place, the name of each 
discoverer or i*xi)lorer, with the date. 

1. Locate and date Cabot'.< discovery. 

2. " " " Hudson's discoveries. 

3. " " " Car tier's 
4- " " " Gosnold's 

5. " " " Columbus' several discoveries. 

6. •* " " De Leon's discovery. 

7. " " " De Soto's route and discovery. 

8. " " " Grijalvah's discoverv. 

9. " " " Balboa's 

10. " " " Vespucci's 

11. " " " the landing of the Puritans. 

12. " " '* settlement of St. Augustine. 

13. " " " " on Roanoke Island. 

14. " " " Cortez' invasion of Mexico. 

15. " " " Charaplain's explorations. 

16. " " " Marquette's and La Salle's exjjlorations. 

17. Locate the two Port Royals (respectively). 

18. Locate Plymouth, Quebec, Jamestown, St. Augustine, San 

Salvador and Cuba. 

19. At what point and when did Vespucci discover the Con- 

tinent? 

20. Where did Roberval, Ribaut, De Monts and Laudonniere 

attempt settlements? 

21. Where are Martha's Vineyard, Elizabeth Islands, New 

Foundland and Nova Scotia? 

22. When and where did Narvaez land? 

23. " " " " Verrazzani explore? 

24. •' " " " Columbus discover the Continent? 

25. " " " " Raleigh make settlement? 

26. Locate Isthmus of Panama, xllbemarle Sound. 

27. " Chesapeake Bay, Hudson Bay. 



DISCOVERIES 
EXPLORATIONS 

IN 

NORTH AMERICA 

Sea ls of Miles 

I ' l-~^ 

100 



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G U T. I' o F 

TortugasU -n <^^^ \ ^ Gvanahani 2. 

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SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 29 

PART II. 
PERIOD OF SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 

FROM THE FIRST PERMANENT ENGLISH SETTLEMENT TO THE REV- 
OLUTIONARY WAR. 

1607—1775. 

1. Tlie 13 English Colonies. — We now come to the history of 
those colonies which have developed into the United States of 
America. They were as follows; 

The Eastern Colonies. — Massachusetts (comprising also Maine), 
Connecticut, New Hampshire (comprising also the territory 
afterward called Vermont), and Rhode Island. 

The Middle Colonies. — New York, New Jersey, Delaware, 
Pennsylvania and Maryland. 

The Southern Colonies. — Virginia, North Carolina, South Car- 
olina and Georgia. 

SECTION I. 
HISTORY OF VIRGINLA.. 

JAMESTOWN COLONY. 

1. Settlement at Jamestown. — The first permanent English 
settlement iu America was Jamestown, Virginia, situated on the 
James River. In 1606, King James I. issued two great patents, 
authorizing his subjects to colonize all that part of North America 
lying between the thirty-fourth and forty-fifth parallels of latitude. 
This immense tract extended from the mouth of Cape Fear River 
to Passamaquoddy Bay, and westward to the Pacific Ocean. One 
of these patents, — embracing all the territory between the 
thirty-fourth and the thirty-eighth degrees of latitude, — was 
granted to the London Company, consisting of nobles, gentlemen 
and merchants of London ; the other patent, — embracing all the 
territory from the forty-first to the forty-fifth degrees, — was 
granted to the Plymouth Company, a body similar to the former. 

On May 7th, 1607, the London Company sent over a colony of 
105 persons in charge of Captain Christopher Newport. They 



30 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

selected the site of Jamestown, and immediately began to prepare 
for the emergencies of their new situation. 

2. Character of these Settlers. —The.se Jamestown settlers were 
mostly men of unreliable and dissolute habits. Some of them 
were convicts from the jails of England ; others were "gentle- 
men," so-called, who came over to America expecting to find 
plenty of gold, and to live without working ; a few were mechan- 
ics and laborers. These last were the only ones of real service in 
the settlement. Hence, the progress of the colony at first was 
slow. 

3. Their Government. — The government of the colony was 
vested in a Council, the members of which were appointed by the 
king and removed at his pleasure. The colony was to hold all 
property in common for five years, — an error that caused much 
trouble, idleness and impediment to the well being of the settlers. 

4. Captain John Smith. — The most useful man among all these 
colonists was Captain John Smith, who by his bravery and 
decision quelled disturbances and kept down hostile Indians. He 
was a truly remarkable man ; and before coming to America, had 
met with many singular adventures in Austria and Turkey. 
Though slandered by some of the "gentlemen" colonists, he was 
the real "Father of Virginia." 

5. Smith Captured by the Indians. — While exploring the 
Chickahominy Kiver, of Virginia, he was captured by the Indians 
and taken to Powhatan (pow-hat-tan') their chief, who con- 
demned him to die. He exhibited great presence of mind during 
his captivity, and employed several ingenious expedients to prolong 
his life till his friends should come in search of him. In resisting 
capture, Smith's companions were killed and himself wounded. 
Under sentence of death, the Indians were about to dash out his 
brains with a club, when Pocahontas, the beautiful daughter of 
the chief, rushed forward and implored her father to spare the 
captive's life. The father, though a savage, was affected by this 
appeal, and ordered his warriors to desist. Smith was then con- 
ducted to Jamestown. This romantic incident is, however, 
pronounced a fiction l)y late historians. 

6. Pocahontas. — This interesting Indian maiden was thereafter 
a friend to the English, and on .several occasions warned them of 
proposed Indian hostilities, thus preventing the extermination of 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 31 

the colonists. A young English nobleman among the settlers, 
named John Rolfe, loved her, and in 1613, they were married 
in the little church at Jamestown. This marriage was not only 
a pleasing incident, but it also served to reconcile the Indians, 
till treachery on the part of some of the colonists broke the 
friendly bond. 

Rolfe took his dusky bride to England, where she was much 
esteemed and styled Lady Rebecca. As she was contemplating 
a return to America, she suddenly sickened and died at the age of 
22. She left a son from whom some influential families of 
Virginia have descended. 

7. Condition of the Colony on Smith's Return.— After his 
return to Jamestown from his exploring expedition, Smith found 
the colony in a state of confusion, and many were preparing to 
return to England in their ship. Smith, by his iron will and 
power of persuasion, induced them to abandon the project. 

8. More Immigrants Arrive.— At this opportune time, Captain 
Newport arrived from England with more immigrants, and much 
needed supplies. These were received with great rejoicing; but 
the majority of the new comers were "gentlemen," gold hunters, 
jewelers, adventurers and vagabonds, — the very persons for whom 
the settlement had no use. Finding a few particles of glittering 
material in a sand-bank, which they thought to be gold, the whole 
settlement was ablaze with excitement ; and Newport loaded his 
vessel with it and sailed for England, believing that he had found 
untold riches. On examination there, the "gold" proved to be 
nothing but glittering sand. The colonists now regarded Smith*^ 
judgment, which they ignored in their wild desire for gold. He 
insisted now, as he had before, that they should cultivate the 
land and improve the settlement. They now heeded him and 
elected him President of the Council, and during his administra- 
tion the colony prospered. 

9. A Second Charter.— In 1609, the London Company granted 
the colony a new charter. This vested the authority in a gover- 
nor instead of a local council. The wants of the colonists were 
not consulted in this change, nor did the charter give them rights. 

10. At Starvation Point. — At this time Smith was wounded 
by an accident, and he was compelled to return to England for 
medical treatment. "His departure was like the going down of 



32 HISTORY OF THE UNITED 8TATES. 

the sun" to the colony. His restraining influence being removed, 
the settlers became a prey to disease and famine. Some were 
killed by Indians ; some turned pirates, and in six months they 
were reduced from 490 to 60. They resolved to al)andon the 
place, and actually embarked, but, meeting their new governor. 
Lord Delaware, with abundant supplies and a company of im- 
migrants, they returned with great joy, and the colony again re- 
vived. Capt. Smith never returned to Virginia. 

11. A Third Charter. — Governor Delaware fell sick and had to 
return to England. His successor was Sir Thomas Dale, who 
induced the authorities in England to send out additional colonists 
and supplies. This was the turning point for the better in the 
history of the colony. A new charter was obtained (1612) which 
abolished the council in London, and the stockholders had power 
to regulate affairs themselves. 'Pho settlers no longer labored in 
common, but each had a lot of ground to cultivate as his owii. 
Under these wise provisions the people were contented and indus- 
trious. New immigrants continued to come over. 

12. The First Colonial Assembly. — The first Legislative Assem- 
bly held in America was convened at Jamestown, June 28th, 1619. 
"It consisted of the governor, council and deputies, chosen from 
the various plantations. Its laws had to be ratified by the com- 
pany in England, but in turn, the orders from England were not 
binding unless ratified by the colonial Assembly." These privileges 
were afterward emliodied in a ivriUen conditution, — the first of the 
kind in America. 

13. The Colonists Buy Wives.— The settlers of Jami^stown 
were mostly single, oi- unmarried men— the few that were married 
had left their wives in England. About this time (1619), 90 
young women of good breeding and modest manners were brought 
over by the company. These were readily sold as wives to the set- 
tlers. The price was the cost of their passage^ ranging from 100 
to 150 pounds of tobacco each. They were willing to be thus 
"sold," and were legally married. Thus dotuestic ties were formed, 
and under their liberal charter, the C'jlonists were happy and 
prosperous. 

14. Introduction of Slavery.— The early Spanish adventurers 
were the first to establish slavery in the >.ew World — making 
slaves of the unfortunate Indians whom they subjugated. Many 
of these were, as we have seen, taken to Europe and sold. 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 33 

Negro slavery was first introduced into Virginia in 1620, by 
sorae Dutch merchants, who brought the negroes from Africa ana 
sold them to the colonist*?. The price paid for a slave was in 
tobacco to the amount of $150. 

15. First Indian War. — Powhattan, the friend of the English 
since the marriage of Pocahontas, was now dead, and was 
succeeded by his brother, Opechancanough (op-e-kau-ka-no'), 
who, in 1622, planned a general uprising of the Indians against 
the settlers. All the detached portions of the settlement were 
attacked at the same time; and in the massacre that followed, 
about 350 of the colonists were slain. This caused an Indian war, 
which brought much suffering upon the colony, and the Indians 
were not subdued for many months. 

16. Second Indian War.— Again, in 1644, the Indians at- 
tempted to exterminate the English, but were themselves expelled 
from the region, though the colonists lost 500 men. 

17. Virginia Made a Royal Province. — King James became 
jealous of the company because of its patriotic sentiments, took 
away the charter in 1624, and made Virginia a royal province. 
From this time the king appointed the governor and council, 
though the colony still retained its assembly. 

18. Bacon's Rebellion.— The English government levied various 
restrictions upon the commerce of Virginia, and exacted heavy 
taxes from the people, as well as hampered their liberties. These 
proceedings were protested against by the colonists, and were the 
cause of much ill-feeling. "These difficulties came to a crisis ia 
April, 1676, when Governor Berkeley failed to provide suffi- 
ciently for the defense of the settlements against the Indians. At 
this juncture, Nathaniel Bacon, a patriotic young lawyer, 
rallied a company, defeated the Indians, and then returned to 
meet the Governor, who had denounced him a traitor. During 
the contest which followed, Berkeley was driven out of Jamestown 
and the village itself burned. In the midst of this success Bacon 
died. No leader could be found worthy to take his place, and 
the people dispersed." 

Just 100 years after this, the king of England, by a similar course 
of oppression, lost all his colonies in America. 

19. Future History.— The affairs of the colony from this 
period (1676) to the French and Indian War, are not of sufficient 



34 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

importance and interest to require notice in a School Histor}'. 
The history of Virginia will therefore be resumed in connection 
with that war. 

Note to the Teacher. — The teacher should here require the pupil 
to prepare a chronologial table of the dated events given in the history 
of Virginia (16i)7-1676) and have him recite it. 



SECTION 11. 
fflSTORY OF NEW ENGLAND. 

PLYMOUTH COLONY. 



1. North and South Virginia.— As we have already seeii.the 
name Virginia was given to all that part of North America 
between the thirty-fourth and forty-fifth degrees of latitude. 
From the thirty-fourth to the thirty-eighth degrees was called 
South Virginia ; from the forty-first to the forty-fifth degrees 
was called North Virginia. The portion between the thirty- 
eighth and forty-first degrees was left equally open to the 
colonies of either company. North Viiginia was explored by 
Capt. John Smith, who called that p:irt from Penobscot to Cape 
Cod, New England. 

2. Settlement at Plymouth.— The Plymoutii Company had 
now given place to the Council for New England, consisting 
of forty English noblemen. To this body. King James gave al- 
most unlimited power to colonize and to manage afiTairs. But 
"New England was destined to be settled with no consent of king 
or council." 

On the 21st day of December, 1620, a band of 100 Pilgrims 
or Puritans landed in the Mayflower upon the bleak shows of 
New England. These immigrants were constrained to leave Eng- 
land, and because of their peculiar notions, were styled Puritans, in 
derision. They preferred to come to the wilds of America, where 
they could worship God as they believed to be right. The spot 
where they landed has been called Plymouth Rock. Their little 
settlement they named Plymouth, which is situated on the east- 
ern coast of Massachusetts. 

3. Character of the Puritans.— The Puritans, or "Pilgrim 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 35 

Fathers" were distinguished by a stern abhorrence of gayety and 
amusement, a profound love of civil and religious liberty, and 
firmness in adhering to what they conceived to be the teachings 
of Scripture. Their pastor was Kev. John Robinson. 

4. Their Hardships. — ^The Puritans suifered much from the 
severity of the climate. It must be borne in mind that New 
England, though in the latitude of France, has a much colder 
climate than that of England. The first winter (1620-1621) 
was esj)ecially severe upon them, and many died before the 
return of spring. Though the Indians did not njolest them at 
this time, yet the Puritans were uneasy about them. They 
elected Miles Standish, a brave young man, to lead, in the 
event of attack. 

5. Treaty with the Indians. — One day in early spring, an 
Indian visited the colony, saluting them in broken English, 
"Welcome, Englishmen." This was Sam'-o-set, who stated by 
signs, that his chief, Massasoit, would visit them. Massasoit 
came, and a treaty was made that lasted for fifty years. 

6. Progress of the Colony. — The progress of the colony was 
slow indeed. Their first harvest was a failure. A pint of corn 
was all they had at this their "starving time;" yet, they were 
cheerful and praised God for his manifold blessings. At first 
they worked in common as the settlers of Jamestown had done, 
but this plan failed here as in Virginia, and land was assigned to 
each settler. As a result, abundance ensued. They elected 
their own governor, and made their own laws. Ten years after 
coming to America, they obtained from the Council for New 
England a grant of the land which they occupied. The colony 
was never a royal province. 

MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. 

1. Settlement. — In 1629, John Endicott and five other 
persons obtained a grant of land about Massachusetts Bay, also 
securing a royal charter which gave them authority to make laws 
and govern the territory. Under this authority, Governor 
Endicott induced many prominent Puritan families of England 
to flock to this land of liberty.' They settled Salem, Charlestown, 
Dorchester, Watertown, and in 1630, one thousand under 
Governor Winthkop founded Boston. 



36 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

2. Puritan Intolerance. — Thou^^h the Puritans came to 
America to avoid persecution, and claimed the right to wor.-^hip as 
their consciences dictated, yet tliey were unwilling to grant the 
same liberty, in their colony, to others of different religious 
tenets. They banished from their settlements all persons that were 
not of the same belief as themselves. Among those thus exiled 
were Roger Williams, an elocjuent and pious young minister, 
and Mrs. Anxe Hutchin:!?on. These found refuge among the 
Indians. Williams with his followers settled upon land given 
him by a Narragansett chief, and named his settlement Providence. 
(See Rhode Island). 

3. Their Persecution of Quakers. — The Quakers, in particu- 
lar, were objects of dislike, and stringent laws were passed against 
them, forbidding them to settle in Puritan territory. 

4. Legal Voters Among the Puritans. — The rights of voting 
and holding office were- confined to church members, and the 
Bible was adopted as the only basis of law and rule of public 
action. 

5. King Phillip's War. — In 1675 a bloody war with the Indians 
of New England broke out. This is called "King Phili{)'s War." 
Philip was a sagacious and determined chief He saw that 
unless the encroachments of the whites were checked, they would 
soon spread themselves all over the land, and deprive the Indians 
of their "hunting grounds." He therefore stirred np the various 
tribes to war, and the conflict that followed was terrible. Villages 
were burned, and men, women and children slain. All New 
England was threatened with extermination, but the several 
colonies combined against the savages and defeated them. Philip 
was driven to a swamp, where, in attem])ting to escape, he was 
shot by a friendly Indian, acting with the whites, 

6. Witchcraft. — In 1692 a strange delusion arose in Massa- 
chusetts, regarding witchcraft. It first appeared at Salem. At 
first only children were affected. They seemed at times to be 
greatly distressed without apparent cause. Older persons were 
afterwards afflicted, who finally declared themselves bewitched. 
Various persons were accused of the crime, and the horrible 
superstition attained such influence that about twenty persons 
were tried, convicted and executed. In a year or two, however, 
the delusion subsided, and the people returned to their senses. 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 37 

MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

1. Their Common History. — These two colonies were so inti- 
mately united with Massachusetts that they have almost a common 
history. The Council for New England granted the territory to 
Gorges and Mason in 1623. Gorges selected the country now 
forming Maine ; and Mason the territory now called New 
Hampshire. Massachusetts, however, claimed the territory of 
Maine, and, to secure it, bought it from the heirs of Gorges. It 
formed a part of Massachusetts till 1820, when it was separated 
into a distinct State. Mason settled New Hampshire at Dover, 
in 1623, naming the territory in remembrance of tiie county of 
Hampshire^ England, his former home. It was united to Massa- 
chusetts in 1644. 

CONNECTICUT. 

1. Tlie First Settlement. — Connecticut (con-net'-i-cut) was 
settled at Windsor, in 1633, by emigrants from Massachusetts. 
It derived its name from the Connecticut river, — an Indian word 
signifying '^Long River." 

There were three colonies afterward established : — '(1). The 
New Haven Colony, founded in 1638, by a number of wealthy 
London families. The Bible was their only law, and only church 
members could vote. (2). The Connecticut Colony., proper, 
comprising Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor, in which all 
freemen were allowed to vote, — a right granted them by a written 
constitution framed by the peo])le. (8). The Saybrook Colony 
established in 1635, by Lords Say and Brook, which they 
afterward sold to the Connecticut Colony." 

2. The Pequod Indians. — The settlers of the Connecticut 
Colony were much annoyed hy a tribe of Indians called Pequods. 
In 1637 Captain John Mason, with a company of men went 
among them, burned their villages, and destroyed almost the 
whole natioTi in one day, killing warrior, pappoose and squaw. 

3. Union of New England Colonies. — In 1643 the colonies of 
Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Haven, united 
for mutual protection against the Indians and the Dutch, under 
the title of "The United Colonies of New England." At 
this time, these four colonies contained 20,000 inhabitants and 50 
villasres. 



38 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

4. The Charter Oak.— In 1662 the Connecticut Colonies 
obtained a liberal charter, which granted them almost inde- 
pendence, and was the most favoi-able yet given to any colony. 

In 1687 the King of England became displeased with some of 
the acts of the colonies, and, thinking that they were enjoying 
too much liberty, sent Sir Edmund Andros to take away their 
charter. Now, the people did not wish to be deprived of this 
charter, and when they had assembled, at evening, by order of 
Andros, to yield it up, the lights in the room were suddenly 
extinguished. When relighted, the charter, which had been 
lying upon a table, was no where to be found. The tyrant 
Andros was obliged to leave without the document. Williaim 
Wadsworth had blown out the lights, and, seizing the charter, 
hid it in the hollow of an oak tree in the vicinity of Hartford. 
This tree was ever after called the "Charter Oak." Andros 
afterward (1689) tyrannized over the people of Boston, but was 
finally deposed ; and then the people of Connecticut brought forth 
their secreted charter. 

From this time till the Revolution, New England remained a 
royal province. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

1. Settlement. — Banished from Massachusetts by the intoler- 
ance of the Puritans, Roger Williams and his friends settled at 
the head of Narragansett Bay, in 1636, naming the settlement 
Providence Plantation. Williams was very liberal toward all 
religious denominations, and many persons from Massachusetts 
settled in Rhode Island. Some of these, in 1639, founded 
Newport, on the southern part of the island of Rhodes, in 
Narragansett Bay. This island was so named from its resem- 
blance to the Island of Rhodes in theMediterranian Sea. Hence 
the name Rhode Island. 

2. Rhode Island Obtains a Charter.— The colonists wished to 
join the New England Union, but were refused because they had 
no charter. In 1644 Williams visited England and secured a 
charter uniting the two colonies. 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 39 

SECTION m. 

THE MIDDLE COLONIES. 

NEW YOEK. 

1. Settlement. — As we have seen, the Dutch claimed Man- 
hattan Island and the territory bordering on the Hudson, by 
virtue of Hudson's discoveries. They visited this region to 
traffic in furs with the Indians. The whole island of Manhattan, 
on which the City of New York now stands, was purchased by 
the Dutch of the Manhattan Indians for about $24. 

In 1613 a Dutch colony under the patronage of the West 
India Company, settled at New Amsterdam, afterward called 
New York, and also at Fort Orange (Albany). The settlers 
were allowed to select and buy land of the Indians, which should 
descend to their heirs forever. 

2. Troubles of the Colonists. — The Dutch colonists for more 
than twenty years were involved in Indian wars, and in difficul- 
ties with the Swedes on the Delaware and the English on the 
Connecticut. These disputes arose from the fact that the Dutch 
claimed the territory between the Delaware and the Connecticut. 

3. Manhattan Taken by the English. — The English coveted 
Manhattan, and in 1664 they besieged the Dutch settlements 
thereon. Peter Stuyvessant (sty'-ve-sant), the last governor 
of the Dutch, had been somewhat of a tyrant over them, and 
was consequently disliked. When the English summoned them 
to surrender, the Dutch, remembering the tyranny of Stuy vesaut, 
and believing that they might enjoy more freedom under English 
rule, refused to fight; and the English, under Nichols, took 
possession without bloodshed. The name of the place was now 
changed from New Amsterdam to New York, in honor of the 
Duke of York, afterward James II. of England. 

4. New York Under English Rule. — The colonists of New 
York did not enjoy the freedom under the English which the}' 
had anticipated. The tyrant Andros, who afterward oppressed 
the people of New England, was appointed governor, and he 
ruled with a rod of iron. He was so arbitrary that his king 
re-called him 

Captain Leisler next administered public aftairs very pra- 



40 HISTORY OF THE UNITED .<TATES, 

dently,Ibut was opposed hj the aristocracy ; and, when superseded 
by Governor Slaughter, he was arrested and tried for treason. 
His enemies made the governor drunk, obtained his signature to 
the death warrant, and before he became sober, Leisler was 
executed. From this time till the Revolution, the history of 
New York is a record of struggles for political rights, which 
developed a spirit of liberty. 

5, The Story of Robert Kidd. — Between the years 1696 and 
1699, the Atlantic Ocean, on the coast of America, was infested 
by pirates. To break up their depredations on commerce, the 
English employed a sea captain named Robert Kidd, to 
command a vessel against them ; but, after getting out to sea, 
Kidd and his men decided to turn pirates themselves, and they 
became the most famous sea-robbers ever known. Kidd roved 
the seas for a year or two, amassing great treasures, which, it 
was said, he hid somewhere on Long Island. Some persons have 
actually dug over a great deal of some parts of the Island in 
search for .the hidden treasures, but the story of his secreted gold 
Ls now considered fabulous. 

Kidd was arrested in 1701, while boldly walking the streets of 
Boston. He was taken to London for trial, was convicted, and 
executed for his crimes. 

NEW JERSEY. 

1. Settlement. — New Jersey was first permanently settled 
by the English, at Elizabetlitown, in 1664, by a company from 
Long Island and New England. The Dutch claimed the terri- 
tory and had before (1624) made a settlement at Bergen. The 
English proprietors divided their grant into West Jersey and East 
Jersey — the former afterward owned and settled by a company 
of Quakers, who founded Burlington. Other Quakers followed, 
and West Jersey became a Quaker colony. East Jersey was 
afterward sold to William Penn and eleven other Quakers. The 
two Jerseys were finally united under one governor. In 1738 
New Jersey was made a royal province. It derived its name 
from the island of Jersey in the English Channel. 

PENNSYLVANIA AND DELAWARE. 

1. Delaware Settled. — In 1638 the Swedes, under the auspices 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 41 

of the king of Sweden, settled at a point near Wilmington, 
naming their lands New Sweden. The Dutch troubled this 
settlement and conquered it (1655), but it continued to prosper 
even after the English had annulled both Swedish and Dutch 
rule. 

2. Pennsylvania Settled. — William Penn, a whole-soul 
Quaker, obtained from the king of England a grant of a large 
tract of land embracing the present States of Pennsylvania and 
Delaware — the latter termed "The three lower counties on the 
Delaware." Penn's object in colonizing his tract was to found a 
refuge for his Quaker brethren who were bitterly persecuted in 
England. In 1681 he sent over about 2,000 Quaker settlers, and 
the next year he came himself, and was received by them with 
great cordiality. 

3. Philadelphia Laid Out. — They settled on the present site of 
Philadelphia, which they called the "City of Brotherly Love." 
Penn named his lands Sylvia, which means woods, and it was 
afterward styled "Penn's Woods," or Pennsylvania. Although he 
had obtained this territory from the king of England, yet he 
considered the rights of the Indians and paid them for the land. 
A treaty was made with them under a large elm tree. His 
treatment of them was always just and generous. The result was 
that "not a drop of Quaker blood was ever shed by an Indian." 
Thus the colony prospered from the start. Penn's great law was 
that no person believing in "Almighty God" should be molested 
in his religious views. Unlike the Puritans, though persecuted 
themselves, the Quakers did not persecute others of different reli- 
gious belief. 

Pennsylvania and Delaware remained under one governor till 
the Revolution. 

MARYLAND. 

1. First Settlement. — In 1634, Lord Baltimore (Cecil Calvert) 
having obtained a grant of land from the king of England, came 
to America with 200 colonists, mostly Roman Catholics and men 
of standing. They established a colony at St. Marks, on Chesa- 
peake Bay, naming the territory Maryland, in honor of Henri- 
etta Maria, queen of Charles I. Lord Baltimore's object was 
to establish an asylum for the oppressed of all religious denomina- 
tions. "Christianity was the basis of the laws, but all sects were 



42 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

treated alike." Under such genei'ous laws, the colony increased 
and prospered. 

2. Clayborne's Rebellion. — The sole enemy of the colony was 
a man named Clayborne, who, with his associates, had estab- 
lished two independent trading-posts within the territory granted 
to Lord Baltimore, and refused to acknowledge Baltimore's 
authority. A rebellion ensued (1635) which resulted in the defeat 
of Clayborne, who fled to Virginia. He was thence sent to 
England for trial on the charge of treason, but was accjuitted. 

3 "Mason and Dixon's Line." — The disputed boundary between 
the Maryland and the Pennsylvania colonies was finally settled 
(1762) by Mason and Dixon, two civil engineers, appointed l)y 
the English government. The boundary thus established has 
since been called "Mason and Dixon's Line." 

4. Religious Troubles. — The Protestants having gained power 
in the colony, assailed the Catholic faith and excluded Catholics 
from the Assembly (1635). The heirs of Baltimore were de- 
prived of their rights, and Maryland became a royal province. 
In 1715, however, the Catholics were again restored to powei- 
and thus Maryland remained till the Revolution. 



SECTION IV. 
THE SOUTHERN COLONIES.* 

THE CABOLINAS. 

1. The Two Settlements. — The Carolina.* were settled at 
Albemarle, March 24th, 1663, by Lord Clarendon and several 
other English noblemen, who obtained from Charles II. a grant 
of a vast tract south of Virginia, which was named Carolina in 
honor of the king, whose name, in Latin is Carolm II. Many 
Huguenots, who made excellent citizens, settled in the Carolinas, 
and were always desirable. 

There were two distinct settlements made, the other being t!ie 
Carteret Colony— forming the present State of South Carolina, 
of which Charleston was the first settlement — made in 1670. In 
1729, these two colonies were separated under the names of North 
and South Carolina. 



*Virginia was a Southern colony, whose hiBtory has been given. 



8ETTLE1MENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 43 

2. The Laws of Locke. — ^The philosopher John Locke, con- 
structed a code of laws called the "Grand Model," for the govern- 
ment of these colonies, but it was wholly unsuited to the wants of 
a wild and unsettled country, and it was soon laid aside for some- 
thing practicable. 

GEORGIA. 

1. First Settlement.— In 1733 Goorgia^ — so called in honor of 
George II. — was settled at Savannah by a company of immigrants 
brought thither by General Jaimes Oglethorpe (o'gel-thorpe), 
an English officer. At that time, persons in debt and unable to 
pay, could be imprisoned, if their creditors so wished. Ogle- 
thorpe, who was a generous hearted man, made this settlement a 
refuge for all such unfortunate debtors, as well as for the oppressed 
of all nations. Georgia remained a royal province till the 
Revolution. 

2. Wesley and Whitefleld— In 1736, John Wesley, the 
founder of Methodism, visited Georgia, and established the 
Methodist Church in America. Two years later he was followed 
by the eloquent divine, George Whitefield (whit'-field) who 
established an orphan asylum at Savannah. His stirring appeals 
aroused a deep interest in Christianity thi'oughout that region. 

Note to the Teacher. — Kequire the pupil to prepare a chronologi- 
cal table of the dated events given in Part II. — Colonial History — to 
this point, and have him recite it. 



SECTION V. 

INTER-COLONIAL WARS. 

I. KING William's war. 

1689-1697. 



1. The French in America. — At this time, the French had 
several settlements in Canada, extending along the River St. 
Lawrence, and including, Montreal (mon-tre-awl') and Quebec. 
They had also several forts on Lake Champlain and Lake George. 

2. The Cause of the War. — King William's War was a 
contest between France and England. When James II. was 



44 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

forced to abdicate the throne, he fled to France. The king of 
that country lent him an army to assist hira in his attempts to 
regain the throne. This led to a war l)etween the two countries, 
which extended to their colonies in America. The war began in 
1689, and closed in 1697, by the treaty of Ryswick (ris'wik). 
So far as the war in America was concerned, no territory exchanged 
hands. Its only effect was to bring suflTering and distress upon the 
colonists. 

3. Massacre at Schenectady. — The French secured the assist- 
ance of the Indians, who fell upon defenseless settlers, slaying 
them without regard to age, sex or condition. 

In 1690, a body of French and Indians attacked and burned 
Schenectady (ske-nek'-ta-dy) , New York, at midnight, in raid- 
winter. The slumbering inhabitants were dragged from their 
beds, and such as escaped the tomahawk, the scalping-knife and 
the flames, were compelled to find their way to Albany barefoot 
and almost destitute of clothing, through a deep snow. Many of 
them perished from the intense cold of that fearful night. 

Numerous acts of heroism during this war might be related, 
but these details must be sought in works for general reading. 



II. QUEEN ANNE'S WAR. 
1702—1713. 



1. The Cause of the War.— England, Holland and Germany 
formed an alliance against France in 1701, to prevent the union 
of France and Spain. The war which followed is known in 
English history by the name of "the war of the Spanish Succes- 
sion." In this country it was called "Queen Anne's War." 

2. New England Involved. —As in King William's War, the 
colonies of England and France were again involved — -New 
England suffering the brunt of the contest. It began in 1702 
and continued till 1713 — eleven years. It was then ended by 
the treaty of Utrecht (u'trekt). The result of the war was that 
Acadia (Novo Scotia) was ceded to England. 

3. SuJffermgS of the Colonists. — The French again employed 
the Indians to fight the English colonists ; and the savages prac- 
ticed, as usual, all their diabolical acts of cruelty and rai)ine. 
Villages were burned ; and, such of the inhabitants as could not 



|i 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 45 

escape, were butchered without mercy. The colonists were in 
constant dread of attack, and always worked in the fields with 
their guns strapped to their backs, ready at any moment to defend 
themselves. Many herioc deeds were performed in defense of 
their homes and families. 



III. KING GEORGE'S WAR. 
1744—1748. 



1. Events of the War. — This was another war between France 
and England — called in English history, "The War of the 
Austrian Succession" — -which broke out in 1744, and continued 
till 1748 — involving the New England Colonies, as the two 
previous wars had done. 

June 17, 1745, the Colonial troops— almost unaided by the 
English' forces — captured the strongly fortified fort of Louisburg 
— "the Gibraltar of America" — on the island of Cape Breton in 
the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This was the only important event 
of this war. The taking of this almost impregnable fortress was 
an event for colonial boasting, and inspired that confidence which 
did them good service in the War for Independence. 

2. Peace. — Peace was made in 1748, by the treaty of Aix-la- 
Chapelle { akes-la-sha-pel') by which England gave back Louisburg 
to France. No decided results were produced by the war — the 
boundaries between the possessions of the two belligerent countries 
were left undetermined ; hence the germ of a new war. 



IV. FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 
1754—1763. 

1. The Colonies Involved. — Again, in 1754, war broke out 
between France and England. As in the three previous wars 
iietween these belligerent nations, the colonies, of necessity, took 
an active part, and suffered all the brunt of the contest. The 
wily French had peculiar persuasive power over the Indians, who 
became the allies of France as in other wars. 

2. Cause of the War. — Jealousy and envy on account of their 
respective possessions in America were the chief causes of the 



46 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

war. The French hud establislied a Hue of trading forte from the 
Great Lakes to the Gulf, aud claimed the region of country west 
of the Alleghanies and along the Ohio, by virtue of exploration 
and settlement. In 1718, they had founded New Orleans. 
Marquette and La Salle, the two enthusiastic Jesuit missionaries — 
whom we have noticed in the "Explorations of the French," had 
explored the Valley of the Mississippi and the Lake Region. 
The English also claimed this territory by right of Cabot's 
discovery of the Continent. Hence, the strife. 

3. Washington's Journey Across the Alleghanies. — October 
31, 1753, Governor Dinwid'die of Virginia, sent a message 
by George Washington, then a young man of twenty-one, to 
the French commander of these forts, asking their removal. 

Washington was born on the 22d of February, 1732, in West- 
moreland County, Virginia. His after greatness was promoted by 
his mother, who, by judicious training, instilled into his mind and 
heart sentiments of jDutriotism, strict integrity and true nobility, 
thus eminently fitting him for his great career. 

With his message and credentials, and accompanied by his 
guide, Washington performed his perilous journey through the 
wilderness and across the mountains. He delivered his message 
to the French commandant, St. Pierre (sang pe-are'). Washing- 
ton soon observed that all negotiations were useless, and returned 
to Governor Dinwiddle with the unsatisfactory reply of St. 
Pierre. 

His return through the wilderness, a distance of four hundred 
miles, was full of danger. At one time he was fired upon by a 
lurking savage not ten paces ofi", but the Indian, missing his 
mark, was captured. 

4. Battle of the Great Meadows. — The French having erected 
a fort on the present site of Pittsburg, which they called Du 
Quesne (doo-kane'), Washington, at the head of a reconnoitering 
party, erected at a place called the Great Meadows, a stockade, 
which he named Fort Necessity. A large force of French and 
Indians attacked him here, May 1754, and after a sharp battle, 
he was compelled to surrender with the honors of war. 

5. Points to be Gained. — "(1) Fort Du Quesne — being the 
key to the West — must be taken, to protect the adjacent colonies 
from Indian attacks. (2) Louisburg and Nova Scotia controlled 
the New Foundland fisheries, and had New England exposed. 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 47 

(3) Crown Point and Ticonderoga commanded the region of 
Lakes George and Champlain — thus leaving New York as well as 
New England exposed to French expeditions. (4) Niagara was 
a point to gain on account of the trade in furs. (5) The strong 
fortification before Quebec controlled the navigation of the St. 
Lawrence." All these points were in possession of the French, 
and it was the object of the English to capture them, and the aim 
of the French to retain them. 

6. Braddock's Defeat. — The first expedition of the English 
was against Fort Du Quesne, July 9th, 1755- The combined 
forces of the English and Americans were commanded by a pom- 
pous British officer, General Edward Braddock — Washington 
acting as aid-de-camp (aid-da-kong'). 

"The General was a regular British officer, proud and conceited. 
Washington warned him of the dangers of savage warfare, but 
his suggestions were received with contempt. The column came 
within ten miles of the fort, marching along the Monongahela in 
regular array, drums beating and colors flying. Suddenly, in 
ascending a little slope, with a deep ravine and thick under brush 
on either side, they encountered the Indians lying in ambush. 
The terrible war-whoop resounded on every side. The British 
regulars huddled together, and, frightened, fired by platoons, at 
random, against rocks and trees. The Virginia troops alone 
sprang into the forest and fought the savages in Indian style. 
Washington seemed every where present. An Indian chief with 
his braves especially singled him out. Four balls passed through 
his clothes. Two horses were shot under him. Braddock was 
mortall}' wounded and borne from the field. At last, when the 
continental troops were nearly all killed, the regulars turned and 
fled disgracefully, abandoning everything to the foe. Washington 
covered their flight and saved the wreck of the army from 
pursuit."* 

7. Louisburg Captured. — In 1758, Generals Amherst and 
Wolfe captured Louisburg after a severe bombardment, and took 
possession of the entire island. 

8. Battle of Lake George.— Sept. 8th, 1755, the French 
under Dieskau (de-is'-ko) were defeated by the provincial troops 
under General Lyman, at the batttle of Lake George. The 

*In 1758, the French were forced to evacuate Fort Du Quesne. 



48 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

object of the battle — the capture of Crown Point — was not 
attained. This victory, however, somewhat counteracted the 
depression caused by Braddock's disaster on the Monongahela. 

In this battle the brave Dieskau was severely wounded. A 
renegade French soldier, fighting with the English, found him 
leaning against a stump. Dieskau felt for his watch to reconcile 
his enemy, but the soldier, thinking that he was reaching for his 
pistol, shot him dead. 

9. Capture of Both Crown Point and Ticonderoga.— "Four 
months before the evacuation of Fort Du Quesne (July 8, 1758), 
a thousand boats full of soldiers in glittering uniforms, with 
waving flags and martial music, in command of General 
Abercrombie, sailed down the clear waters of Lake George to 
attack Ticonderoga. Before his artillery came up, the inefficient 
Abercrombie ordered an assault, and lay hid away in the rear 
while the battle raged in front." The result was the total rout of 
Abercrombie's army. 

In 1759, one year after the disgraceful defeat of Abercrombie, 
a large army of English under General Amherst compelled the 
French to evacuate both Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 

10. Niagara Captured. — The French at Niagara were forced 
to surrender to the English, July 25th, 1759, after a siege 
desperately combatted, 

11. Quebec Taken. — The next and last important event of this 
memorable war was the capture of Quebec, by the English under 
the gallant General Wolfe, Sept. 18th, 1759. Quebec was 
a strongly fortified place in Canada, on the St. Lawrence, in 
command of the vigilant French general, Montcalm. The 
only way the English could gain access to it was to ascend, from 
the river, a high and almost perpendicular rock. By great skill 
and exertions. General Wolfe got his army upon the "Heights of 
Quebec," and at daylight, confronted the astonished French. 
Montcalm, though surprised, was prepared, and a desperate battle 
ensued. Both Wolfe and Montcalm were slain. These two brave 
generals died like heroes ; — Wolfe rejoicing in his dying breath 
that victory was his ; and Montcalm thankful that he should not 
survive to see the surrender of Quebec. 

12. Peace. Treaty of Paris. — The war closed by the treaty of 
Paris (1763). The French gave up all the territory east of the 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 49 

Missis.sii)pi, except two small islands south of Newfoundland 
Spain ceded Florida to England. 

13. Pontiac's War. — After the close of the French and Indian 
War, and when the English had taken possession of the western 
forts formerly occupied by the French and Indians, the chief of 
the Ottawas, Pontiac, formed a confederation of the tribes 
against the forts thus taken. Had it not been for the timely 
warning given by a friendly Indian girl, all the British forts 
would have been captured. Eight of them were, however, 
surprised and taken. Many families fled from their homes to 
avoid Indian vengeance. Finally, the Indians, disagreeing 
among themselves, Pontiac fled, and was stabbed by an Indian. 
This ended the war. 

14. Results of the French and Indian War. — This war brought 
a heavy debt upon the English government. But the colonists 
suffered most. They had sjient $16,000,000, only $5,000,000 of 
which was repaid by England. 30,000 of their men had been 
lost, and they had suffered all the horrors of Indian cruelty. 

But they had also gained much. They had learned to fight, 
and to think and act independently of the mother country. A 
love of liberty began to dawn. They were more united, and the 
haughty treatment by the British, served to strengthen the bond. 
Many able and daring men were trained to fight, who afterward 
humiliated the proud regulars of King George III. 



SECTION VI. 



Progress of the Colonies and Their Condition Previous to the 
Revolution. 

1. Immigration.— After the close of the French and Indian 
War, immigrants arrived in great numbers. Many from the 
old colonies went westward over the Alleghanies and south to 
Florida. All the colonies increased rapidly, and at this time, 
the population amounted to about 2,000,000. Boston and Phila- 
delphia were the largest cities. 

2. Religious Toleration. — Protestantism was now the prevail- 
ing religion, though aU denominations were tolerated. The 
l)eople were mostly uniform in manners and customs. 



50 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

3. Agriculture and Manufactures. — Agriculture was the 
leading pursuit, and chief dependence of the people. Farming 
utensils, household furniture, hats, shoes, paper and many other 
articles were manufactured. 

4. The First Newspaper. — The first newspaper published in 
America was the "Boston News Letter," started in 1704. It was 
in size not quite so large as a sheet of foolscap. 

5. Colleges. — Nine colleges had been established — namely: 
Harvard, XVilliam and Mary, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, 
Rutger's, Dartmouth, and. Hampden Sidney. These were all 
founded by the colonists. Harvard and Yale are yet among 
the best in the couutiy; the former was founded in 1638, by 
John Harvard; the latter, in 1701, by Elihu Yale. 

Common, or free schools had already been established in New 
England; and the Middle Colonies and the Southern Colonies 
had their private schools. 

6. Nature of Colonial Government. — The Colonies were, at 
different times, under different kinds of government. These 
various kinds were : 

(1). Commercial Corporation, as the London Company. 

(2). Proprietary Government, as that of Penn and Baltimore. 

(3). Royal Government, as when the King of England ap- 
pointed a governor to rule. 

(4). Charter Government, as when the king gave the colonists a 
Charter, or written document granting certain privileges and 
political rights. The Plymouth Colony was founded independent 
of kingly authority, a company or a proprietor. All the 
Colonies became Royal Provinces before the Revolution. 



RECAPITULATION OF COLONIAL WARS. 

The several wars in which the Colonies were involved, previous 
to the Revolution, were : 
First Indian War, in Virginia, 1622. 
Second " " " " 1644. 
Pequod " " " New England, 1637. 

Dutcli War " New York, 1664. 

Philip's " " New England, 1775-76. 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 51 

King William's War— all the Colonies involved, 1689-97. 
Queen Anne's " " " " " 1702-13. 

King George's " " " " " 1744-48. 

French and Indian " " " " " 1754-63. 

Pontiac's " " " " " 1760. 



RECAPITULATION. 
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS RECORDED IN PART H. 

(PEBIOD OF SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY.) 

1607. Jamestown, first permanent English Colony, founded. 

1609. Second Charter granted Virginia, June 2d. 

1610. "Starving Time" in Virginia. 

1612. Third Charter granted Virginia, March 22d. 

1613. Marriage of Rolfe and Pocahontas, April. 
1613. New York settled by the Dutch. 

1619. First Colonial Assembly convened at Jamestown, June 28. 
1619. Ninety Yonng Women come to America to be wives of 
Colonists. 

1619. Negro Slavery introduced into English^Colonies. 

1620. Plymouth Colony founded by the Puritans, Dec. 21'st. 

1622. First Indian Massacre in Virginia, March. 

1623. New Hampshire settled at Dover, by John Mason. 

1624. Virginia made a Royal Province. 

1624. New Jersey settled at Bergen by the Dutch. 

1629. Massachusetts Bay Colony founded, March 4th. 

1630. Boston founded by Governor Winthrop, September 17th. 

1633. Connecticut settled at Windsor. 

1634. Maryland settled at St. Mary's, by Lord Baltimore. 
1635-36. Connecticut settled at Saybrook and Hartford. 

1635. Claybome's rebelHon in Maryland and Virginia. 

1636. Rhode Island settled at Providence by Roger Williams. 

1637. The Pequod Indians destroyed. 



52 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

1638. New Haven founded, April 18th. 

1638. Delaware settled at Wilmington, by Swedes, April. 

1638. Harvard CoUege founded at Cambridge, Mass. 

1639. Newport, Rhode Island, founded. 

1641. New HampsMre united to Massachusetts. 

1643. New England Colonies form a Union, May 29th. 

1644. Second Indian Massacre in Virginia, April. 
1644. Charter granted to Rhode Island. 

1655. New Sweden conquered by the Dutch. 
1655. Protestants gain the power in Maryland. 

1662. A Liberal Charter granted to Connecticut. 

1663. The Carolinas first settled at Albermarle. 

1664. Manhattan, or New Netherland taken by the English. 
1664. New Jersey settled by the English, at Elizabeth town. 
1670. South Carolina settled at Charleston, 

1675. King Phillip's War rages in New England. 

1676. Bacon's Rebellion against Berkeley's oppression. 
1682. Penn settles Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. 

1687. Edmund Andros attempts to take the Connecticut Charter. 
1689. King William's War begins. 

1689. Andros's power broken and he recalled. 

1690. Indian Massacre at Schenectady. 
1692. Witchcraft prevails in Massachusetts. 

1697. King William's War ends by treaty of Ryswick. 

1699. Capt. Robt. Kidd, the pirate, flourishes. 

1701. " " " " " executed in England. 

1701. Yale College founded by Elihu Yale. 

1702. Queen Anne's War begins. 

1704. The "Boston News Letter," first paper in America. 

1713. Queen Anne's War ends, by treaty of Utrecht. 

1718. New Orleans founded by the French. 

1729. The Carolinas separated. 

1732. George Washington born in Virginia, Feb. 22d. 



SETTLEMENT AND COLONIAL HISTORY. 53 

1733. Georgia settled by Oglethorpe at Savannah. 

1736. Jolm "Wesley founds the Methodist Church in America. 

1738. George WMtefield founds an orphan asylum at Savannah. 

1744. King George's War begins. 

1745. Louisburg captured by Colonial troops, June 17th. 
1848. King George's War ends by treaty of Aix la Chapelle. 

1753. Washington crosses the Alleghanies. 

1754. The French and Indian War begins. 

1754. Battle of Great Meadows — Fort Necessity surrenders. 

1755. Braddock's Army defeated on the Monongahela, July 9th. 
1755. French defeated by English at Lake George, Sept. 8th. 
1758. British under Abercrombie routed at Ticonderoga, July 8. 
1758. Louisburg captured by Amherst and Wolfe, July 26th. 

1758. Fort du Quesne captured by English, November 25th. 

1759. Ticonderoga Crown Point evacuated by the French. 
1759. Niagara taken by the English, July 25th. 

1759. Quebec captured by Wolfe, Sept. 18th. 

1760. Pontiac's War rages. 

1762. "Mason and Dixon's Line" drawn between Maryland and 

Pennsylvania. 

1763. French and Indian War ends by treaty of Paris. 



54 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

PART III. 

* 

THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD, 

FROM THE BEttlNNIKG OF THE WAR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTI- 
TUTION. 

1775—1787. 
SECTION I. 

1. Causes of tlie Revolution. — As we have seen, the Colonies 
were settled principally by people from Great Britain. They 
were all included within the English patent, and claimed by the 
English Crown. They were styled "British Colonies in Nortii 
America," and remained in subjection to the English government 
till 1775. 

From the first settlement of this country, the British authorities 
treated the inhabitants of these Colonies as a distinct and 
subordinate class of subjects, and considered their interests 
entirely subservient to the elevation and prosperity of the mother 
country: and after the French and Indian War, they began to 
exercise an undue authority, and to interfere in their civil 
concerns, in a manner that excited the most serious alarm. 

The English government claimed the right of taxing the 
Colonies, — in order, partly, to pay the enormous debt contracted 
during the French and Indian War, — although they allowed 
them no part in their legislative councils. The Colonies denied 
this right, and contended that "taxation and representation were 
inseparable ;" and that they could not be safe, if their property 
could be taken from them without their consent. After various 
oppressive acts on the part of England, the Colonists resolved 
to support their rights by force of arms. 

2. Oppressive Acts. — The "Stamp Act," passed in 1765, 
requiring a heavy duty to be paid upon all legal documents, 
newspapers, pamphlets, etc.; — the "Boston Port Bill" passed 
in 1774, effectually destroying the business of New England 
merchants; and the "Mutiny Act," passed the same year, 
requiring the colonists to provide quarters and suj)plies for 
British troops stationed among them ; — were some of the 
obnoxious acts passed by the British Parliament. 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 55 

3. The Tax on Tea Resisted. — Learning of the rebellious 
feeling aroused in the colonies by their course of taxation, the 
British Parliament, in May, 1773, passed a bill repealing the tax 
on all articles except tea. The government no longer hoped to 
raise revenue ; it was contending only for the right to tax the 
colonies. To establish this right, the duty on tea was made only 
three pence : the colonists were really to get their tea cheaper 
than the English people. But the Americans saw through the 
plan, and scorned the concession ; they would pay no taxes to the 
English Government. 

4. The Boston Tea Party. — It was agreed among the colonial 
merchants to import no tea ; the English merchants, however, 
resolved to send it at their own risks. The first of the tea-ships 
arrived at Boston, November 25th, 1773, and a committee of the 
people notified the captain that they would not permit it to be 
landed. The captain would gladly have returned to England, but 
the Governor would not allow him to leave. The patience of the 
people was worn out, and they proceeded to settle the business in 
their own way. On the night of December 16th, forty citizens, 
disguised as Indians, went to the vessel, took out the tea chests, 
342 in number, and emptied the contents into Boston harbor. 
At other places the people would not permit the tea to be landed. 

Great was the indignation of the English sovereign, when news 
of these proceedings reached him. To punish the colonies, the 
Boston Port Bill was passed, and General Gage was appointed 
Governor of Massachusetts. This but aroused the people to 
greater resistance. 

5. Friends in England. — A few wise and liberal members of 
the British Parliament opposed, from the first, these oppressive 
measures toward America. Among these noble men were Sir 
William Pitt (Lord Chatham) and Colonel Barre. "You 
have," said Pitt, "no right to tax America. I rejoice that she 
has resisted." Barre denied, with sarcastic irony, the assertion 
that the Colonies were nourished by English care. Their wise 
counsels, however, availed nothing ; but proud Britain, ere long, 
bitterly rued the day in which she disregarded the advice and 
warnings of these great men. 

6. Patrick Henry. — This undaunted patriot, the gifted orator 
of the Revolution, by his fearless and fiery denunciations of 



56 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

British tyranny, inspired his countrymen with a zealous love of 
liberty. 

7. First Continental Congress. — This was held at Philadelphia, 
September 5th, 1774. It consisted of talented and influential 
men from all the Colonies, except Georgia. It issued a protest 
against standing armies being kept in the Colonies without consent 
of the people, and agreed to hold no intercourse with Great 
Britain. 

8. Ripe for Liberty. — The bitter feeling toward their oppres- 
sors, had now kindled a desire for freedom. Companies of 
"Minute Men," ready at a moment's notice to resent open violence, 
were formed in all the Colonies. Gener^ll Gage, commander of 
the British troops stationed at Boston, became alarmed, and seized 
ammunition wlierever he could find it. Only a spark was now 
needed to kindle a flame which the boasted power of England 
could not extinguished. 



EVENTS OF 1775. 



1. Battle of Lexington. — On April 19th, 1775, General 
Gage, wishing to destroy some militaiy stores of the Americans 
at Concord, New Hampshire, sent a body of troops thither, under 
Major Pitcairn, for that purpose. At Lexington they met 
some "Minute Men" who opposed their progress. Pitcairn 
shouted, "Throw down your arms, you rebels, and disperse," 
which they did not do; whereupon, the British troops fired upon 
them, killing several in the skirmish that ensued. 

Reaching Concord, they destroyed nearly all the stores ; but on 
the way back, they encountered the Americans, who, now 
thoroughly aroused, gathered from all parts of the surrounding 
country ; and, attacking them from behind trees, fences, barns, 
hedges, &c., so harassed them, that, had not other British troops 
arrived, they would all have been picked ofl". As it was, they 
lost nearly 300 men, in killed, wounded and prisoners. The "red 
coats," as the British soldiers were styled, were exceedingly glad 
to get liack to their quarters at Boston. 

2. Effect of the Battle of Lexington. — The news of this first 
battle of the Revolution spread rapidly over tho country. The 
Royal Governors were forced to give up their authority and leave 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 57 

the Colonies. This skirmish gave the Americans a rather con- 
temptible opinion of British, valor, and intensified the animosity 
toward King George's troops. They now went to work in earnest. 
The long expected conflict, which they had endeavored in vain to 
avoid, was now upon them, and they determined to fight for life, 
home and freedom. 

3. Capture of Ticonderoga.— May 10th (1775), Col. Ethan 
Allen and Benedict Arnold, commanding a company of 
"Green Mountain Boys" — as the soldiers from Vermont* were 
called —captured Ticonderoga, a British fortress on Lake George. 
Rushing up to the fort at the head of his men, Allen commanded 
the officer in charge to surrender "in the name of the Great 
Jehovah and the Continental Congress." 

Two days after. Crown Point was also taken. Thus, without 
the loss of a man the daring provincials had captured two of the 
British strong-holds. 

4. Second Continental Congress. — This met at Philadelphia, 
May 10th (1775). It voted to raise 20,000 men, and prepared a 
petition to the King of England (George III.) which he refused 
to receive, thus destroying all hope of reconciliation. 

5. Washington, Commander-in-Cliief. — The Americans, at this 
time, though fired with a desire for liberty and brave to fight for 
it, were untrained and undisciplined. The Second Continental 
Congress, on the 15th of June (1775), unanimously elected 
George Washington commander-in-chief of the American army. 
This high honor was unexpected by him, but he was endowed by 
nature for the position ; and the sequel shows that the confidence 
of his countrymen was not misplaced. 

Washington went immediately to work organizing and drilling 
his men for systematic and effective service. The army now 
consisted of 14,500 men possessing very little knowledge of 
military tactics. 

6. Battle of Bunker Hill. — The British continued to send 
troops to America, and by May (1775), they had about 10,000 
soldiers to subdue the "rebels," as they now called the Americans. 

The Americans, suspecting that the British intended to fortify 

*Thi8 State — deriving its name from two French words, verd, green, 
and mont, mountain — "Green Mountain State" — was settled at Brattleboro 
in 1724, by people from Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

7 



58 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Bunker Hill, near Charlestown, Mass., anticipated the movement 
by throwing up breastworks thereon themselves. Colonel 
Prescott commanded the patriots in this work. The Biitish 
seeing what the "rebels" were doing, determined to dislodge them 
from the hill. On June 17th (1775), they sent well-disciplined 
troops to attack them, at the same time firing upon their works 
from shipping in tlie harbor. As the British regulars in com- 
mand of General Howe ascended the hill in perfect order, the 
patriots behind their intrenchments, made terrible havoc among 
their ranks. Three times were the British repulsed, and they 
would have been routed had not the ammunition of tlie patriots 
given out. The Americans were then obliged to abandon their 
fortifications, but, as they slowly retreated, they fought the 
advancing British with clubs, stones and the butt ends of their 
muskets. 

7. Effect of this Battle. — The effect of this rencounter with 
the trained troops of King George was not discouraging to the 
patriots. They now believed that they could whip the British in 
a fair fight, with plenty of arms and ammunition. The whole 
country was electrified. Nearly every boy old enough to handle 
a musket enlisted in the army ; and the gray-haired grand-father 
took the field against the oppressors of his country. 

The British loss was heavy — more than 1000 men in killed and 
wounded. Yet the Americans had much cause for sorrow. 
Their loss was about 425 — killed, wounded and prisoners. Among 
those that fell, was Joseph Warren, a young physician nmcli 
beloved by the people for his sterling worth. He fought in the 
ranks as a common soldier, and was shot by a British otHcer who 
knew him.* 

8. Invasion of Canada. — The Americans looked to Canada for 
aid, and General James Montgomery and Col. Benedict 
Arnold planned an expedition against the strong British post at 
Quebec. Montgomery led his army tliithei' i)y way of Luke 
Champlain, capturing St. John's and Montreal on the way. 
Before Q,uebec, he was joined by Arnold, who had led his men 
through the wilderness of Maine, half-faraished and half-clad. 



*The American people have erected a noble monument 221 feet higl), 
on the site of this memorable battlefield, in honor of the heroic patriots 
who perished there. 



REVOI.UTIONARY PERIOD. 59 

Their united forces — amounting to less than one thousand men — 
besieged the city for three weeks, without effect. On December 
31st (1775) they decided to assault the works. A driving snow- 
storm was prevailing when they made the attack, and they fought 
at a great disadvantage. Montgomery was killed and Arnold 
wounded. The Americans were repulsed with much loss, and 
Canada was left in possession of the British. 



EVENTS OF 1776. 



1. Boston Evacuated.— On March 17th (1776) the British 
army, under Howe, which had occupied Boston since the begin- 
ning of the war, and had oppressed the people of that city by 
various vindictive acts, as well as destroyed the business of the 
place by cutting off intercourse with the rest of the world, was 
compelled to evacuate by the generalship of Washington, who 
had besieged it for some time. Washington's army entered the 
next day amid great rejoicing. 

2. The Hessians. — The English government hired 17,000 Ger- 
man troops, called Hessians, to assist in conquering America. 
They were called Hessians, because they were furnished by the 
Landgrave of Hesse Cassel. The British government paid the 
princes, from whom they hired these mercenaries, S36 for each 
man, and guaranteed to protect their dominions from attack. 

The Indians, also, were brought into their service, and many 
inhuman outrages were perpetrated with the sanction of British 
officers. 

3. British Repulsed at Fort Moultrie.— On June 28th (1776) 
a British fleet in command of Admiral Parker, and land 
forces under Sir Henry Clinton, attacked Fort Moultrie in 
Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, but were gallantly repulsed 
by its brave defenders. 

Sargeant Jasper, a bold soldier, jumped from the walls of the 
fort to recover a flag which had been shot off, and placed it again 
upon the rampart, amid a perfect storm of bullets from the 
enemy.* 

4. Declaration of Independence.— The 4th of July (1776) is 

*This undaunted hero was, however, killed in a subsequent battle, 
while performing a similar daring act. 



HO HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

made memorable by the Americans, in Congress assembled 
at Philadelphia, declaring that "The United Colonies are, 
and ought to be, free and independent States." The imm(jr- 
tal document in which this Declaration was made, was written by 
Thomas JetFerson. It was hailed throughout the country with 
general rejoicing. Bells were rung, cannon fired, the schools had 
a holiday and every patriot was glad. A few, however, called 
Tories, gave it no welcome. These were still loyal to King 
George, believing that the Colonies were wrong in resisting the 
mother country. The patriots, in their exj^ressions of joy, pulled 
down the leaden statue of George III. in the Bowling Green at 
New York, and moulded it into bullets to be hurled against his 
subjects.* 

5. The Original Thirteen States. — The Colonies, with a popu- 
lation of nearly three millions, were now styled "The Thirteen 
United States of America." (See map.) Their names are : 

NEW ENGLAND STATES. 

Massachusetts, settled in 1620. 

New Hampshire, settled in 1623. 

Rhode Island, settled in 1636. 

Connecticut, settled in 1633. 

MIDDLE STATES. 

New York, settled in 1613. 

Maryland, settled in 1634. 

Delaware, settled in 1638. 

New Jersey, settled in 1664. 

Pennsylvania, settled in 1682. 

SOUTHERN STATES. 

Virginia, settled in 1607. 

North Carolina, settled in --1663. 

South Carolina, settled in 1670. 

Georgia, settled in 1733. 

*0n the 2l8t of May, 1775 — more than a year previou.s to this formal 
Declaration of Independence — the people of Charlotte, North Carolina, 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 61 

6. "Pardons." — About thi.s time (July, 1776), General Howe, 
stationed with his army in the vicinity of New York, issued a 
proclanjatiou offering pardon to all Americans that would lay 
down their arms and become loyal to England. This was treated 
with contempt. None responded to the "royal proclamation." 

7. Battle of Long Island. — After General Howe with his 
army, had evacuated Boston, he went to Halifax, and thence 
sailed for New York. Admiral Howe, his brother, with rein- 
forcements from England, and Clinton, from his defeat at Fort 
Moultrie, joined General Howe at New York. The British army 
was now 30,000 strong. Washington, anticipating Howe's plans, 
gathered all his available forces at New York to protect that city. 
He had only 7,000 men. The British army, in three divisions, 
advanced upon the city from Long Island, August 27th (1776). 
The Americans were attacked in front and rear, and were terribly 
beaten, 2,000 out of 5,000 engaged were lost in killed, wounded 
and prisoners. Generals Howe and Clinton delayed further 
attack, awaiting the arrival of Admiral Howe's fleet, expecting 
to capture the remnant of the American army. Had they not 
delayed, they might have done so ; but during the night, under 
cover of a dense fog, the wary Washington eluded them. When 
morning came, Howe found to his dismay that his prey had gone. 

8. Washington's Retreat.— Lea vin^j- New York in possession 
of the British, Washington retreated with his army, now reduced 
to 3,000 men, through New Jersey, toward Philadelphia, closely 
pursued by Cornwallis, with 6,000 men This retreat, though 
causing much suffering to the ill-clad and ill-shod patriots, was con- 
ducted in a masterly manner. Washington was thence called 
"the American Fabius." He escaped the vigilance of Cornwallis, 
and, crossing over into Pennsylvania, quartered his troops along 
the Delaware (December, 1776). 

9. Captain Nathan Hale. —Captain Hale was sent by Washing- 
ton to gain some information respecting the movements of the 
British on Long Island. He was captured by the enemy, and ex- 
ecuted as a spy, his last words being, "I only regret that I have 
but one life to give to my country." 

in convention assembled, declared themselves free from any allegiance 
to the British Crown, and resolved to defend the stand thus taken, with 
their lives and fortunes. 



62 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

10. Effect of these Reverses. ^These misfortunes to the Ameri- 
cans caused a depression which settled on the country like a pall. 
Many, more timid than patriotic, went over to tlie enemy, believ- 
ing that American independence would prove a failure. The 
army was but poorly supplied with arms, many of the soldiers had 
no shoes, and during Washington's fimous retreat, many left their 
blood-stained foot-prints on the frozen ground. The British were 
jubilant, and now awaited spring to "bag the fox," as they styled 
Washington. 

11. Battle of Trenton. — To raise the spirits of his troops, and 
to remove the despair that seemed to be settling upon the country, 
Washington determined to strike a bold and almost reckless blow. 

At Trenton, New Jersey, was stationed an army of Hessians 
under command of Col. Rahl. Lord Howe, with his army, 
was comfortably quartered for the winter at New York. Believ- 
ing that the Americans were now too weak for aggressive warfare, 
he settled himself contentedly, awaiting the return of spring to 
quash the "rebellion." 

On Christmas Eve (1776), Washington's army crossed the 
Delaware, now full of floating ice and swollen by the recent 
floods. The crossing was effected in small boats, during a driving 
storm of hail and snow. The Hessians were completely surprised 
and routed. They were reveling in wine and "Christmas cheer," 
little dreaming of attack. The Americans captured nearly a 
thousand prisoners, besides many needed arms and valuable 
military stores. They lost but four men — two killed and two 
frozen to death. This victory revived the drooping energies of 
the country, and many recruits joined the army. 

12. Commissioners Sent to France. — In December, Congress 
sent Benjamin Franklin, Silas Dean and Arthur Lee to 
France, to seek assistance. France was not yet willing to help the 
Americans openly, for she was at peace with England, but she 
found means to assist them privately. 



EVENTS OF 1777. 



1. Battle of Princeton. — Sending his prisoners to a place of 
safety, Washington immediately recrossed the Delaware and once 
more entered New Jersey, encamping near Trenton. 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 63 

Hearing of Washington's movements, Howe ordered Cornwallis 
to direct, in person, the military operations of that region. Corn- 
wallis with a large force, encamped (January 2, 1777) near the 
American army, intending to attack it in the morning ; but during 
the night, Washington by another skillful maneuver, not only 
rescued his army from destruction, but also added glory to 
American arms. He had led his troops by a circuitous route 
toward Princeton. Here were some regiments of British intend- 
ing to join Cornwallis, lodging for the night. The next morning 
(January 3rd), Washington encountered some British troops 
already on the march for Princeton. He gave battle and defeated 
them, killing 100 and capturing 300, with a loss of only 30 men. 
Reaching Morristown, he intrenched himself to await further 
developments. Thus the plucky little army, under the "American 
Fabius," outgeneraled Lord Howe and Cornwallis, and taught 
those haughty peers to fear and respect a foe whom they had 
pretended to despise. This was the last military movement 
during the winter. 

2. Danbury, Conn., Burned. — In the spring of this year Gen. 
Tryon, of New York, sent an expedition against Danbury, Con- 
necticut. His troops went in vessels, by the Sound, and, landing 
April 26, marched to Danbury and destroyed the American 
stores collected there. On their way back to the Sound, the 
British were attacked by the militia, and lost 300 men. 
Among the Americans killed was General Wooster, a veteran 
of the French and Indian War. 

3. The British Evacuate New Jersey.— In spring. General 
Howe employed various stratagems to induce the Americans to 
quit their camp and risk an open battle, but the sagacity of 
Washington prevented such an event, and the British at length 
evacuated Jersey. 

4. Our Flag. — "The Stars and Stripes" — the prettiest flag in 
the world — was adopted as the emblem of our nationality, June 
14th (1777). The 13 stripes, 7 red and 6 white, alternating, 
represent the Thirteen Original States, and an additional star is 
placed upon it for every new State. Thirty-eight stars now 
spangle its blue field. 

5. Burgojme's Army. — About this time, General John 
Burgoyne with a large army composed of British regulars, 



64 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

Hessians and Indians, came from Canada to destroy the American 
defenses in the north. They captured Ticonderoga, securing a 
large amount of military stores. 

6. Battle of Bennington. — Being in need of horses, oxen and 
vehicles to transport his su})plies taken at Ticonderoga, Burgoyne 
sent Colonel Baum, with 500 select men, toward Bennington, 
Vermont, to procure these things-. Here this detachineiit of 
marauders was met hy 800 volunteers, led by the gallant 
General John Stark (August 10th, 1777). "We must beat 
the red-coats, my boys, or this day Mollie Stark is a widow," 
were the words of Stark, as the British formed for battle. A 
sharp conflict followed, in which the Americans came off best. 
In the afternoon both sides were reinforced, and the battle was 
I'enewed with increased vigor. About 200 of the enemy were 
killed and 600 taken prisoners, while the Americans lost but 150 
killed and wounded. Valuable munitions of war were also 
captured. 

7. Battle of Brandywine. — September 11th (1777) Corn- 
wallis and Clinton attacked Washington at Chad's Ford on the 
Brandywine, near Philadelphia. The Americans under their 
gallant leaders, performed prodigies of valor, but, being out- 
numbered by the enemy, they were defeated. The British now 
took up their quarters at Philadelphia (September 26th). 

8. La Payette. — In this battle, several patriotic foreigners 
were engaged, among whom was the Marquis de La Fayette 
(da lah-fay-et') , a generous and liberty-loving young French 
nobleman, who left wealth and position in France to assist the 
Americans in gaining their independence. He rendered valuable 
aid to the patriot cause, equipping whole companies at his own 
expense. His name is honored and revered by every true lover 
of liberty. 

9. Battle of Germantown. — The British main army was 
stationed at Germantown, a small village near Philadelphia. On 
October 4th (1777) Washington and his officers decided to hazard 
an attack. At first the Americans gained a decided advantage, 
but owing to a dense fog, the troops became panic-stricken, and 
fled at the very moment of victory. Thus the British gained 
possession of many important points in that region. 

10. Death of Miss M'Crea. — About this time, while Bur- 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 65 

goyiie's army was attempting to capture Fort Edward, on the 
Hudson, occurred the melancholy death of Mitres M'Crea, an 
American young lady betrothed to a loyalist officer in Burgoyne's 
army. She was captured by Indians near Fort Edward ; and 
while they were conveying her to the British camjj, the Americans 
in the fort fired on her captors, and Miss M'Crea was killed. 
The story spread that she had been killed and scalped by the 
savages. It greatly increased the hatred toward the British, 
and brought many volunteers to the Americam camp. 

11. Surrender of Burgoyne.— Burgoyne, after his capture of 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point, continued his invasion of the 
North. The Americans gathered from the neighboring States to 
check his advance. Farmers left their fields and volunteered 
their services ; an army was rapidly collected and drilled. Bur- 
goyne's position now became critical. He had sent a detachment 
to take Fort Stanwix (now Rome), New York, and to devastate 
that region. General Arnold, who had been sent by General 
Schuyler (sky'-ler) to relieve Fort Stanwix, caused the British 
to beat a precipitate retreat, by an ingenious stratagem, which 
made them believe that a large force was coming against them. 

General Horatio Gates, whom Congress had appointed to 
the command of the Northern Army in place of Schuyler, had 
now a large army, full of enthusiasm and impatient to drive out 
the invaders. At Saratoga, New York, the two armies engaged 
in battles (September 19th and October 7th). The contest was 
desperate on both sides, and closed only with the darkness of 
night, the Americans being the gainers. Both armies then 
intrenched themselves for nearly two weeks. Burgoyne, des- 
pairing of receiving the reinforcements he expected, and hemmed 
in on all sides by the determined Americans, was obliged to 
surrender his entire army of 6,000 men and all his munitions of 
war (October 17th). During the surrender the musicians in the 
American army played the tune of "Yankee Doodle."* Benedict 
Arnold — whose subsequent treason is related elsewhere — per- 
formed prodigies of valor during the battles preceding the 
surrender, though he had been unjustly deprived of his command 
by Gates who was doubtless envious of his reputation. 

*This national air was composed by a surgeon in the British army, in 
1755, during the French and Indian war, to ridicule the uncouth 
appearance which the provincial troops presented. 



66 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

12. Effect of Burgoyne's Defeat. — This brilliant victory, so 
gallantly won, caused rejoicing throughout the country. Congress 
awarded a medal of honor to Gates, and a vote of thanks to the 
brave soldiers who did the fighting. The people were cheered in 
spite of the general financial depression of affairs. 

France, hearing of it, recognized the independence of America, 
and sent troops the following spring, to aid the cause. 

13. At Valley Forge. — The fall of Burgoyne closed the cam- 
paign of 1777. To tlie Northern Army it had brought success 
and victory; to the Southern Army, disaster and defeat. The 
Southern Array, under Washington, during the winter of 1777- 
'78, quartered at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Tliis w'inter was 
an unusually long and severe one, and the soldiers were poorly 
prepared to endure its hardships. They were only half-clad, had 
few beds, and many had neither straw nor blankets to lie upon. 
Their provisions were also scanty and the Government was too 
poor to help them. To add to the despondency, a cabal was 
formed against Washington, by Gates, Conway and others envious 
of his fame. Their object was to have him removed, and have 
Gates supersede him as commander-in-cliief. The conspiiacy 
failed, and its originatois have received the condemnation of 
posterity. 

Had the British, instead of remaining in their comfortable 
quarters in Philadelphia and New York, attacked the Americans 
at this time, they might have annihilated the entire army. 

14. The Englisli Attempt Reconciliation. — About this time, 
when affiiirs looked gloomy to the patriots, the British attempted 
to bribe some influential Americans. They made a proposal to 
Gen. Joseph Reed, ofi^ering him 10,000 guineas — alxrnt $")0,000 
— and a lucrative office, if he would exert his influence to lecon- 
cile America. Tlie honest patriot spurned the ofler with indig- 
nant pride, answei'ing, — "I am not worth purchasing; but such as 
I am, the King of England is not rich enough to buy me." 



EVENTS OF 1778. 

1. A French Fleet Arrives. — In spring, the hearts of all were 
gladdened by the news that the efforts of Benjamin Franklin, 
who had been sent to France by Congress to .solicit aid, were 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 67 

crowned with success, and that a fleet of soldiers was on its way 
to help the cause of liberty. 

2. Battle of Monmoutll. — General Clinton, now commanding 
the British at New York, became alarmed by the approach of the 
Frencli fleet, and concentrated his forces at that point. Washing- 
ton followed him across New Jersey. At Monmouth (N. J.) the 
two armies met, and a battle ensued (June 28). The day was 
excessively warm, and nearly as many soldiers of both sides died 
from heat and thirst, as were slain by bullets. The field was 
stubbornly contested, but, when night ended the battle, neither 
party had gained a victory. 

3. Conduct of Gen. Charles Lee. — General Charles Lee, who 
commanded a division of the American Army in this battle, 
retreated from some cause, at the moment of victory; but his 
flying troops were rallied b}' Washington. Lee was sternly 
rebuked by the commander-in-chief, on the field, and was after- 
ward removed from the army for apparent treachery before the 
enemy. He could have re-entered the service, but it seems that 
he was deficient in patriotism. He was a brave and brilliant 
officer, but envious and impulsive. 

4. Massacre of Wyoming. — On July 3d (1778), a band of 
Tories and Indians ravaged Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, 
burned the houses and murdered women, children and old men. 
The Tories and Indians vied with one another in deeds of cruelty 
and horror. 

A similar party, under the notorious Butler and Brandt, 
devastated the region of the Mohawk, in the following November, 
and destroyed a thriving settlement at Cherry Valley. General 
Sullivan avenged these outrages by destroying forty Indian 
villages. 

5. Close of the Year's Campaign. — The French fleet attempted 
to drive the British out of Rhode Island, but a storm disabling 
the vessels, the commander was forced to abandon the under- 
taking, and sailed to the West Indies for the winter. The British, 
in December, attacked and captured Savannah, and reduced the 
whole of Georgia. 

EVENTS OF 1779. 
1. Operations at the South. — In the spring of this year the 



68 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

British attempted to capture Charleston, South Carolina, t)ut were 
scared off hy the approach of American force,<. In September, 
the Frencli fleet in command of Count D'Estang, (des-taiig') 
joined the American forces under General Lincoln in an attack 
upon Savannah. The assault was unsuccessful, and a thousand 
lives were lost. The noble Polish patriot, Count Pulaski, was 
here mortally wounded. The gallant Sergeant Jasper, whose 
bravery has been mentioned, was killed in this engagement. The 
French fleet thus far, and, indeed, during the remainder of the 
war, rendered the Americans no efiicient help. 

2. British Depredations. — The British at the North, contented 
themselves by sending out predatory parties. Many defenseless 
towns in Connecticut were pillaged and burned by the notorious 
Tryon. 

3. Capture of Stony Point. — Stony Point, a Biitish Ibrt on the 
Hudson, was captured July 15th (1779), by the brave General 
Anthony Wayne — "Mad Anthony" — as he was styled. This 
was a daring and brilliant achievement, and gave new lustre to 
American arms. 

5. Paul Jones's Exploit. — Commodore Paul Jones, in a 

daring exploit on the English seas, Sept. 23 (1779), captured the 
Serapis, a powerful British man-of-war, after a brilliant engage- 
ment of two hours. His vessel was named Bon Homme Richard 
(bo-nom' re-shar'). She was so much injured in the fight that, 
after the victory, Jones was obliged to destroy her and pursue his 
course in the captured vessel. 

This bloody sea-fight is one of the most celebrated in American 
history, and it greatly humiliated the boasted "Mistress of the 
Seas.'' 



EVENTS OF 1780. 



1. Fall of Charleston. — Cornwallis attacked Charleston by sea 
and land, and General Lincoln after enduring a terrible bombard- 
ment and a long siege, was forced to surrender (May 12th), 

2. Battle of Camden. — General Gates, who had now taken 
command of the Americans at the South, attacked Cornwallis at 
Camden, South Carolina, Aug. 16th. The Americans were 
defeated. Tlie result was that the British obtained possession of 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 69 

the State, and ruled the situation in the South, The brave 
foreigner. Baron DeKalb, was killed in this battle. 

3. Partisan Patriots. — At this time (1780), valuable service 
to the cause of Independence was rendered by such men as 
Marion and Su.mter, who, with small bodies of sharp-shooters, 
carried on a guerrilla warfare, harassing the British in no small 
degree. They were not subject to the main army, and confined 
their operations to the defense of their southern homes. They 
were thoroughly imbued with a love for liberty, and endured many 
privations with heroic fortitude. These bold citizen soldiers were 
a terror to Tories and to small detachments of British troops. 

4. Continental Money. — In the year 1775 Congress issued 
paper money with which to caiTj on the war. The value of this 
currency had depreciated so much that $40 in bills were worth 
only $1 in specie. It therefore required a great deal of it to buy 
the necessaries of life, and many persons refused to take 
continental money In this crisis the generous Robert Morris, 
a wealthy citizen of Philadelphia, came to the rescue of his 
country, and made himself bankrupt to aid the cause of freedom. 

5. Arnold's Treason. — In September (1780), the American 
cause received a blow from an unexpected quarter. Benedict 
Arnold, who had heretofore been its gallant defender, attempted to 
betray into the hands of the enemy, the important post at West 
Point, of which he had purposely obtained charge. 

By extravagance and gambling, he had involved himself 
greatly in debt, and, to extricate himself, had appropriated public 
money. For this he was tried and sentenced to be reprimanded 
by the commander-in-chief. Stung by the reproof, he determined 
upon revenge. He made arrangements with the British general, 
Clinton ; and Major Andre, an accomplished young English 
nobleman, was appointed to confer with Arnold. While returning 
from this secret conference, Andre was arrested as a spy by three 
American soldiers, who delivered him over to their commander. 
Col. Jameson. In Andre's boots were found papers which 
revealed the contemplated treachery. Arnold learning that his 
plans were frustrated, escaped to the British army. 

Andre was tried and hanged. His melancholy fate, from 
such a cause, was regretted by both friends and foes. 

Arnold received for his treason $50,000 and a commission as 



70 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Brigadier General in the Britir^h iuiny. He thereafter fouglit 
against the Americans. 

6. The Captors of Andre. — The names of the three honest 
patriots who arrested Andre, were John Paulding, Isaac Van 
Wart and David Williams. . Andre offered a bribe of 10,000 
guineas — $50,000 — -if tliey would let him pass, but they refused. 
Congress rewarded them for their fidelity, by giving each an 
appropriately inscribed m(^dal and a pension for life. 

7. Battle of King's Mountain. — After the battle of Camden, 
Cornwallis moved into North Carolina and sent Colonel 
Ferguson before him to rally the Tories in the mountainous 
region. Ferguson was attacked at King's Mountain, October 7 
(1780) by Colonel Campbell with a number of backwoods 
I'iflemen, and was slain, with 150 of his men. Campbell's men 
were so incensed by the barbarities of Tories, in Ferguson's band , 
that they hung a number of the prisoners after the battle. 



EVENTS OF 1781. 



1. Battle of the Cowpens. — On January 17th, the British 
under Tarleton were routed at the battle of th(> Cowpens, North 
Carolina, by the dashing General Morgan, with a loss of 600 
men. Morgan then started for Virginia, pursued by Cornwallis. 

2. General Greene's Retreat. — Gen. Greene — of whose army 
Morgan's force was a part — now joined Morgan, and conducted 
the retreat. Greene was a catitious and skillful general, and, 
though he gained but one battle,* yet his successful retreats had 
all the effects of victory. For his prudence, wisdom and valor, 
Congress awarded him high honors. 

3. Battle of Eutaw Springs.— On September 8th (1781) Gen. 
Greene defeated Cornwallis at the battle of Eutaw Springs, North 
Carolina. Cornwallis with his army now took his position at 
Yorktown, Virginia. 

4. Arnold's Depredations. — The traitor Arnold desiring to 
gratify his revenge, invaded Virginia during this year with an 
army of British and Tories, burned Richmond and committed 
other outrages. He also ravaged the vicinity of his former home 
in Connecticut. 

*See next Topic — "Battle of Eutaw Springs." 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 71 

Washington, with the aid of a bold soldier named Champe, 
)laiiiied the capture of Arnold's person ; but just as the effort was 
ibout to be successful, Arnold suddenly changed his quarters and 
;he attempt failed. 

5. Surrender of Cornwallis. — The situation of the British 

irmy under Cornwallis at Yorktown was now critical. Wash- 
ngton and his able generals besieged the place ; and on October 
L9tll (1781), after a fierce cannonading, Cornwallis was obliged to 
lurrender his entire army of 7,000 men and all his munitions 
)f war. The scene of the surrender is said to have been very 
mposing. Cornwallis felt so humiliated that he declined to 
leliver his sword in person, but sent it by one of his officers. 

6. The End. — Peace. — The surrender of Cornwallis effectually 
snded the War of the Revolution. The British govermment saw 
.he utter impossibility of subduing the "Rebels," and was thus 
breed to acknowledge the Independence of "The United States 
)f America " England, therefore, ordered home her troops ; and 
)n the 13th of September, 1783, the treaty of peace was signed 
it Paris. By the terms of the treaty, the boundaries of the 
Jnited States were fixed at the Great Lakes on the north, 
Florida — belonging to Spain — on the south, and the Mississippi 
•iver on the west. The news was received with unbounded joy 
dl over the country. The American people were now "free and 
'qual" before all the world. The army was disbanded and the 
var-worn soldiers returned to their homes. Washington, after 
lidding his officers an affecting farewell, "retired to Mount Ver- 
aon, followed by the thanksgiving of a grateful people." 



AFTER THE WAR. 



1. Condition of the Country. — The close of the war found the 
jrovernraent of the young nation in a weak condition. The 
;reasury was empty, and»the country involved in debt. Many of 
;he soldiers had not received their pay, and several acts of 
violence were committed by them, under unprincipled leaders. 

Many persons thought that the people were incapable of self- 
government, and proposed that Washington should become king. 
rhis proposal he spurned with indignation, 

After much anxiety as to the stability of the infant Government, 
md much hitter feeling from some sources, the wise counsels of 



72 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

Wa^liingtoD prevailed, and the financial difficulties were amicably 
adjusted. 

2. Adoption of the Constitution. -During the Revolutionary 
War the (States were governed by Articles of Confederation, 
which were then suited to the condition of the country ; but now, 
owing to a different order of affairs, the best men of the land felt 
the necessity of a more potent national government. Accord- 
ingly, a convention was called at Philadelphia to revise the 
Articles of Confederation. This convention, with Washington as 
president, was composed of men of talent and statesmanship. 
After much discussion and some opposition, they adopted an 
entirely new constitution (September 17th, 1787). The Govern- 
ment was organized under it during the ensuing year, and in 1789 
it went into full ojieration, 

3. The Two Political Parties. — In some sections the new 
constitution met with the most determined opposition. Two 
political parties came into existence — the Federalists and 
Anti-Federalists, or Republicans ; the former favored the 
Constitution, and advocated a centralized government; the latter 
advocated the doctrine of state sovereignty, and opjiosed a central 
government. The leaders of the Federal party were Alexander 
Hamilton, Jambs Madison and John Jay. Thomas Jef- 
ferson was the great head of the Anti-Federal, or Republican 
party. 

4. Westward, Ho ! — During and immniediately after the war, 
emigration to the West from the Eastern and Middle States set 
in. Many Irom Virginia and North Carolina also sought homes 
farther west, particularly in the "Territory South of the Ohio," 
since known as Kentucky and Tennessee. (See Map). 

5. The Northwest Territory. - This comprised the great tract 
north of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi, out of which have 
been carved the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and 
Wisconsin. The bill for the erection of the Northwest Territory 
passed the Continental Congress in 1787.' (See Map). While it 
was pending, Mr. Jefferson introduced and had carried an 
amendment forever excluding slavery from that extensive region. 
A territorial government was here first introduced into the Amer- 
ican system. The General Government appoints for a Territory its 
Governor and high officers, and the people elect the members of 
the Legislature. 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 73 

SECTION II. 

RECAPITULATION OF THE BATTLES OF THE REVOLUTION. 

The various battles and captures of the Revolutionary War, 
tabulated in chronological order, were: 

1. Battle of LexiQgton, Apr. 19, 1775; Am's victorious. 
Maj. Pitcarn commanded Br.; Am's had no commander. 

2. Capture of Ticonderoga by Am's, May 10, 1775. 
Allen and Arnold commanded Ams.; Delaplace, the Br. 

3. Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775; Am's defeated. 
Col. Prescott commanded Am's; Gen. Howe the Br. 

4. Attack on Quebec, Dec. 31, 1775 ; Am's defeated. 
Montgomery and Arnold commanded Am's; Carleton, the Br. 

5. Evacuation of Boston by the British, March 17, 1776. 
Washington commanded Am's; Gen. Howe, the Br. 

6. Bombardment of Fort Moultrie, June 28, 1776. Br. 
repulsed. Col. Moultrie commanded Am's; Gen. Clinton, the Br. 

7. Battle of Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776; Am's defeated- 
Washington commanded Am's; Howe and Clinton, the Br. 

8. Battle of White Plains, Oct. 28, 1776 ; Am's defeated. 
Washington commanded Am's; Gen. Howe, the Br. 

9. Battle of Trenton, Dec'r 25, 1776; Am's victorious. 
Washington commanded Am's; Col. Rahl, the Hessians. 

10. Battle of Princeton, Jan'y 3, 1777; Am's victorious. 
Washington commanded Am's; Cornwallis, the Br. 

11. Battle of Bennington, Aug. 10, 1777; Am's victorious. 
Gen, Stark commanded Am's; Col. Baum, the Br. 

9 



74 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

12. Battle of the Brandywine, Sept. 11, 1777; Am's defeated. 
Washington commanded Am's; Cornwallls and Clinton, llip Br. 

13. Battle of Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777; Am's defeated. 
Washington commanded Am's, Gen. Howe, the Br. 

14. First Battle of Saratoga, Sept. 19, 1777; Am'* victorious. 
Geii. Gates commanded Am's ; Gen. Burgoyne, the Bi'. 

15. Second Battle of Saratoga, Oct. 7, 1777; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Gates commanded Am's; Gen. Burgoyne, the Br. 

16. Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778 ; neither army 
victori(ms. Washington commanded Am's; Gen. Clinton, the Br. 

17. Massacre of Wyoming, July 3, 1778, by Tories and Indians, 
Butler and Brandt conducted the slaughter. 

18. Massacre at Cherry Valley, Nov, 17, 1778, l>y Tories and 

Indian.s. Butler and Brandt conducted the slaughter. 

19. Capture of Stony Point, July 25th, 1779, by the Am's. 
Gen. Wayne commanded Am's; Col. Johnson, the Br. 

20. Attack on Savannah, Sept., 1779; Americans repulsed. 
Lincoln and D'Estaing com. Am's and Fr.; Prevost, the Br. 

21. Paul Jones's Naval Battle, Sep. 23, 1779: Am's victorious. 
Paul Jones commanded Am's; Pearson, the Br. 

•22, Capture of Charleston, Mav 12, 1780, l>y the Br. 

Gen. Lincoln commanded Am's; Gen. Cornwallis, the Br. 

23. Battle of Camden, May 12, 1780; Am's defeated. 
Gen. Gates commanded Am's; Cornwallis, the Br. 

24. Battle of King's Mountain, Oct. 7th,^ 1780; Am's victo- 
rious. Cam|tbeil and Shelby com. Am's; Maj. Ferguson, the Br. 



REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 75 

25. Battle of the Cowpens, Jan. 17, 1781 : Am's victorious. 
Gen. Morgan commanded Am's ; Col. Tarleton, the Br. 

26. Battle of Eutaw Springs, Sept. 8, 1781 : Am's victorious. 
Gen. Greene commanded Am's; Cornwallis, the Br. 

27. Siege of Yorktown.— Surrender of Cornwallis, Oct. 19, 
1781. Washington commanded Am's ; Cornwallis, the Br. 



RECAPITULATION. 
CHRONOLOGY OP EVENTS RECORDED IN PART HI. 

(the revolutionary period.) 

1765, "The Stamp Act" passed by Parliament. 

1773, The Tax on Tea resisted at Boston. 

1774, The "Boston Port Bill" passed by Parliament. 
1774, The "Mutiny Act" passed by Parliament. 

1774, The First Continental Congress at Philadelphia, Sept. 5. 

1775, The Battle of Lexington fought, April 19. 
1775, Ticonderoga Captured by Ethan Allen, May 10. 
1775, Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia, May 10. 
1775, North Carolina makes a declaration of independence. 
1775, Washington elected commander-in-chief, June 15. 
1775, The Battle of Bunker HiU fought, June 17. 

1775, Montgomery and Arnold repulsed in Canada, Dec. 31. 

1776, Evacuation of Boston by the British, March 17. 
1776, The British repulsed at Fort Moultrie, June 28. 

1776, Declaration of Independence formally proclaimed, July 4. 
1776, Pardons offered by the British Government, July. 
1776, Americans defeated at the battle of Long Island, Aug. 27. 
1776, Washington makes his famous retreat through Jersey, 
November. 

1776, The Hessians defeated at battle of Trenton, Dec. 25. 

1777, The British defeated at battle of Princeton, Jan. 3. 



76 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

1777, The British evacuate New Jersey (spring). 
1777, The "Stars and Stripes" adopted as our flag, June 14. 
1777, The British defeated at battle of Bennington, Aug. 10. 
1777, The Americans defeated at battle of Brandy wine, Sept. 11, 

1777, The Americans defeated at Gemiantown, Oct. 4. 
1777 Burgoyne's Army defeated at Saratoga, Sep. 19, Oct. 7. 
1777 Burgoyne's Army surrendered at Saratoga, Oct. 17. 
1777-78, Washington's Army winters at Valley Forge 

1778, France recognizes the independence of America. 
1778, A French Fleet arrives to aid America (spring). 

1778, Battle of Monmouth — neither army victorious, June 28. 
1778, Massacre of Wyoming, by Tories and Indians, July 3. 

1778, Massacre at Cherry Valley by Tories and Indians, Nov. 

1779, Americans and French repulsed at Savannah (spring). 
1779, Stony Point captured by Anthony Wayne, July 15. 

1779, Paul Jones captures the Serapis, Sep. 23. 

1780, Charleston taken by Cornwallis, May 12. 

1780 Americans defeated at battle of Camden, Aug. l(i. 
1780, British defeated at battle of King's Mountain, Oct. 7. 

1780, Benedict Arnold becomes a traitor, October 7. 

1781, British defeated at battle of the Cowpens, Jan, 17. 
1781, British defeated at battle of Eutaw Springs, Sept, 8. 
1781, Arnold burns Richmond, Va., and overruns Coiniecticut. 
1781, Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktjwii, V,i., Oct. 19. 

1783, Treaty of Peace signed at Paris, Sept, 3. 
1787, The Constitution framed and adopted, Sept. 17. 
1787, The Northwest Territory organized. 
1789, The Constitution goes into full operation. 
1789, The Federal and Republican Parties organized. 



Note to the Teacher. — Require the pupils to make separate table.-* 
of the following : Of the American commanders mentioned in the Revo- 
lutionary War; of the British commanders ; of the battles gained by the 
Americans ; and of the battles gained by the British ; and to recite tlieni. 



RICVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 77 

The First Settlements — Reviewed. -The various settlements 
established at the close of the Revolution (1783), recapitulated, 
are: 

Florida, at St. Augtistine by the Spaniards, 1565. 

Santa Fe (New Mexico) by the Spaniards, 1582. 

Roanoke Island by the English, 1587 (not permanent). 

Virginia, at Jamestown by the English, May 7, 1607. 

New York, at Fort Manhattan (New York City) by the 
Dutch, 1613 ; at Albany by the Dutch, 1615. 

Massachusetts, at Plymouth by the English, December 21, 
1620 ; at Boston by the English, September 17, 1630. 

New Hampshire, at Portsmouth by the English in 1623. 

Maine,* at Saco by the English, 1623. 

New Jersey, at Bergen by the Dutch, 1624; at Elizabeth- 
town by the English, 1664. 

Connecticut, at Windsor and Hartford by the English, 1633 ; 
at New Haven by the English, 1638. 

Maryland, at St. Marys by the English, 1634. 

Delaware, at Wilmington by the Swedes and Finns, 1638. 

Rhode Island, at Providence by the English, 1636 ; at Newport 
by the English, 1639. 

North Carolina, at Edenton by the English, 1650 ; at Albe- 
marle by the English, 1663. 

Indiana,! at Vincennes by the French, date unknown (supposed 
to be 1655). 

South Carolina, at Charleston by the English, 1670. 

Michigan,tt at St. Mary's by the French, 1668. 

•■■See Monroe's Adm'r. tSee Madison's Adm'r. ttSee Jackson's 
Adm'r. 



78 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia by the English, 1682. 

Arkansas,* at Helena by the French, 1685. 

Illinois, t at Kaskaskia by the French, 1688. 

Texas, I at San Antonio by the Spaniards, 1692. 

Louisiana, 1 1 at Bihxi by the French, 1699; at Neiv Orleans 
by the French, 1718. 

Alabama, f at Mobile by the French, 1702. 

Mississippi,! at St. Peter's by the French, 1703. 

Vermont, 1 1 at Brattleboro' by the English, 1724. 

Georgia, at Savannah by the English, 1733. 

Wisconsin, § at Green Bay by the French, 1745. 

Missouri, t at jSi. Genevieve hy the French, 1755; at St. Louis 
by the French, 1764. 

Tennessee, 1 1 at Fort Loudon hy the English, 1756; at Nash- 
ville by the English, 1765. 

Kentucky,|| at Harrodsburg, by the English, June 16, 1774; 
at Lexington by the English, 1775. 

*See Jackson's Adm'r. tSee Monroe's Adm'r. JSee Tyler's Adni'r. 
llSee Madison's Adm'r. ^See Polk's Adm'r. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 79 

PART IV. 

NATIONAL PERIOD. 

FR05I THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

1787—1877. 



SECTION I. 

FR031 THE CONSTITUTION 

TO THE 

CLOSE OF THE SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND. 

1787—1815. 

OUR GOVERNMENT. 

1. A Federal Republic. — -The several States of our country are 
all united under one General Government, called a Federal 
Republic, that is, a republic in which several separate republics 
are united in one— E Pluribus Unum— one composed of many. 

2. Each State a Republic— Each State is a republic by itself ; 
for it hns a government of its own, and it is at liberty to make 
laws relative to its own peculiar interests ; but the more general 
concerns of the nation, as the regulation of commerce, the 
declaration of w;tr, the coining of money, etc., are entrusted to 
the General Government. 

3. The Three Branches. —The Government of the United 
States consists of three branches, namely : The Legislative ; 
the Executive and the Judicial Power. 

4. The Legislative Power. — The Legislative power is vested in 
a Congress which consists of two branches — the Senate and the 
House of Representatives. The Senate consists of two members 
from eacli State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for the term 
of six years. The members of the House of Representatives 
are chosen for two years hy the people of each State, according 
to the voting population. Congress meets at Washington 
every winter on the first Monday in December, to attend to the 
general interests of the nation. 



80 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

5. The Executive Power. — The Executive power is vested in 
a President and a Vice-President, assisted by five Secretaricb-, 
called Heads of Departments, namely : The Secretary of 
State, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, the 
Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of the Interior ; the 
Postmaster General and the Attorney-General. These are termed 
the Cabinet. The President and Vice-President are cliosen for 
four years by delegates elected by the people, called f lectors. 
Each State chooses as many delegates as it has members in 
Congrei«s. As the Executive power administers the Government, 
it is termed the Administration. Hence, we speak of Wash- 
ington's Adminstration, Jefferson's Administration, etc. 

6. The Judicial Power. — The Judicial power is vested in one 
Supreme Court, and such inferior courts as Congress may from 
time to time establish. The Supreme Court is composed of one 
Chief-Justice, and eight Associate Justices, who hold a court in 
the city of Washington annually, commencing on the second 
Monday of January ; besides which, each of these Justices attends 
in a certain circuit, comprising two or more districts appropriated 
to each, and together with the judge of the district, composes a 
Circuit Court, which is held in each district of the circuit. The 
principal business of these courts is to expound the laws of the 
United States, and to settle all questions which arise under the 
Constitution and treaties of the United States. The Justices are 
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent 
of the Senate, and hold their offices during life or good behavior. 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1789—1797. 

1. The Inauguration. — The Constitution, as we have learned, 
went into operation in 1789. The first step was to elect the 
executive and legislative officers. Washington was unanimously 
chosen first President of the new Republic, and on April 30th, 
1789, he was inaugurated in the presence of a large concourse of 
])eople. 

He reluctantly left his (piiet retreat at Mt Vernon to assume 
the arduous duties of public; life. His journey to the seat of 
Government (New York) was a continual ovation. The people 
everywhere greeted him with tokens of honor and affection. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 81 

2. Washington's Cabinet. — Washington was judicious ill the 
selection of his officers of Government. He appointed Thomas 
Jefferson, Secretary of State ; Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of 
the Tre:tsury ; General Knox, Secretary of War ; and Edmund 
Randolph, Attorney General. The offices of Secretary of the 
Navy, Secretary of the Interior, and Postmaster General were 
not tlien created. 

3. Financiil Affairs. — The first attention of the new Congress 
was to financial matters and the regulation of commerce. An act 
was passed imposing duties on impoits and tonnage, and protecting 
home manufacture. The national delit early hecame the subject 
of discussion in Congress. The recommendation of Hamilton 
that the General Government assume the debts of the several 
States, was acted upon. The Federal party advocated a protec- 
tive tariff" and a national bank ; the Republican party opposed 
both of these. 

4. The Slavery Question. — During the first session of Con- 
gress, the subject of slavery caused an exciting debate— "the 
beginning of a contention to be settled years after, only by the 
stern arbitration of the s\vord." All of the States at this time, 
except Massachusetts, held slaves. 

5. Indian War. — The Indian tribes inhabiting the North-west 
Territory were extremely hostile, and dread of them long retarded 
emigration to that region. Peaceful means failing, the G;overn- 
ment resolved to employ iorce. In 1790 General Harmar with 
1,100 men marched against them, but he met w'ith a disastrous 
defeat. The next attempt to subdue them was made by General 
Arthur St. Clair, governor of the North-west Territory. In 
September, 1791, at the head of 2,000 men, he marched to the 
head waters of the Wabash ; but heedless and too confident of 
success, they were surprised by the wily savages under Little 
Turtle, and half of the soldiers were slain. The rest found 
safety in disorderly flight. 

In 1794 General Anthony Wayne— "Mad Anthony" of Rev- 
olutionary fame — went against the Indians, and in a desperate 
battle, he defeated them and compelled them to make peace. 

6. Foreign Relations. — A mighty revolution in France had 
overthrown monarchy, and made that nation a Republic. The 
Republicans — or Democrats — as they now began to be called, 

10 



82 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

warmly sympathized with the French revolutionists. On the 
other hand, the Federalists were desirou.s of preserving and pro- 
moting friendly relations with Great Biitain. John Jay wa.- 
sent to England to negotiate a treaty, which was ratified by Con- 
gress by a small majority. France being at war with England 
considered this treaty unfair, in view of the services she had ren- 
dered in the struggle for American independence. 

7. Washington's Retirement. — Washington was twice elected 
President, On the 4th of March, 1797; he retired from oflace, 
having previously published his Farewell Address to his fellow 
citizens. "This document was universally read, and its value ha.> 
scarcely diminished with the lapse of time." 

8. Death of Washington.— His Character. — On the 14th of 
December, 1799, Washington, after a brief illness, died at Mount 
Vernon, in the 67th year of his age. 

"In personal appearance, Washington was over six feet in 
height, robust, graceful and perfectly erect. His manner was 
formal and dignified. He was more sf)lid than brilliant, and had 
more judgmen.t than genius. He had great dread of public life, 
cared little for books, and had no library. Calm in defeat, sober 
in victory, commanding at all times, but irresistible wUvu aroused, 
he exercised equal authority over himself and his army. He was 
a consistent Christian, and a regular attendant of the Episcopal 
Church, of which he was a communicant." 

Washington left no children. It has been beautifulfy-said. 
"Providence left him childless that his country might call him 
Father." 

9. Seats of Government. — New York City was tlie first seat of 
our Government ; thence it was transferred to Philadelpliia ; and 
in 1800 it was removed to Washington City, in the District of 
Columbia. The District of Columbia was formerly ten miles 
square, given to the United States in 1790, by Maryland and Vir- 
ginia, for the purposes of a National C'apital, In IHOO it became 
the seat of the General Government, and the residence of the 
President and the other chief executive officers of the nation. In 
1846 by an act of Congress, the part given bj' Virginia was 
restored to that State. Consequently the District is now confined 
to the Maryland side of the Potomac, and contains aliout 70 
square miles. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 83 

10. Invention of the Cotton-Gin. — In 1793 the Cotton-Gin 
was invented i)y Eli Whitney. This gave a new impetus to the 
cultivation of cotton, and was a boon of great value to the South. 

ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1797—1801. 

1. Inauguration. — On March 4th, 1797, John Adams, Fed- 
eralist, was inaugurated second President. His opponent in the 
race was Thomas Jefferson, Republican (or Democrat), who, 
however, became Vice President. 

2. John Adams.— Adams was of Massachusetts. It was 
mainly through his influence that the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence was adopted. He was an able lawyer and a good writer. 
He made a greater reputation, however, as Congressman than as 
President. He was Vice President during Washington's Admin- 
istration. 

3. Difficulties with France. — During this Administration a 
war with France was threatened, and Washington was again 
appointed commander-in-chief (1798). Napoleon Bonaparte, 
however, having assumed control of affairs in that country, and 
having his ambition turned in another direction, war was obviated- 

4. Alien and Sedition Laws. — "Owing to the violent denun- 
ciations of the Government by the friends and emissaries of France, 
the alien and sedition laws were passed. Under the former, the 
President could expel from the country any foreigner whom he 
deemed injurious to the United States ; under the latter, any one 
libelling Congress, the President or the Government, could be 
fined or imprisoned. This was a most unpopular measuie, and 
excited the bitterest feeling." 

These laws defeated Adams for a second term, and became 
null and void. 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1801—1809. 

1. Election and Inauguration. — The Republicans in the elec- 
tion of 1800, nominated Thomas Jefferson for President and 



84 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Aaron Burr fbi' Vice-President. The Federalists put uj) John 
Adams and CnARLP:s C. Pinckxky. The former were eleeted, 
and on the 4th of March, 1801, Jefferson was inaugurated third 
President. 

When the electoral votes were counted, it wa?* found that Jeffer- 
son and Burr were in advance of the other candidates, both having 
the same number. This threw the electio!i into the House of 
Representatives, which gave the Presidency by one vote to Jeffei'- 
son, and made Burr Vice-President. 

2. Thomas Jefferson.— Jefferson was re-elected at the end of 
his first term, and so held the office till March, 1801). He was a 
Virginian, a ripe scholai-, and possessed the most varied accom- 
plishments. He was the author of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, and the founder of the Democratic p^irty. 

3. Purchase of Louisiana. — In 1803 President Jefferson pur- 
chased from France the Territory of Louisiana, paying 
S15,000,000 for it. This vast region then comprised :dl the coun- 
try west of the Mississippi, exc(>pt the present States of Texas, 
Calif n-uia and Nevada (ne-vah'-dah); and the Territories of Utah, 
New Mexico and Arizona — which then formed a part of Mexico 
and belonged to that country till the Mexican War (1848). (See 
Map Showing Territorial Growth of the United States). 

4. War with Tripoli. — The Tripolitans — people of Tripoli 
(trip'-o-lee), one of the Barbary States on the northcrji coast of 
Africa — were noted pirates, and had for a long time been the 
terror of the Mediterrauciiii. They required all vessels to pay 
tribute as exemption from depredations. The United States, in 
common with the nations of Europe, had paid this tribute; but 
,now (1801) the Governor of Algiers becoming more exorbitant 
in his demands, the Americans detei inined to put a stop to this 
insolence. War was declared against the Barbary States (1801), 
and Commodore Decatur with a squadron was .sent to humble 
them. This he did in several severe naval battles, though peace 
was not finally established till 1805. The pirates were so much 
puni>hed that they were glad to let American commerce alone. 

5. The Hamilton-Burr Duel.— On July Mth. 1804, Alex- 
ander Hamilton was killed in a duel by Aaron Burr, the 
Vice-President, at Weehawken, New York. Burr was the 
•challenger. Tlu; difficulty gr(>w out of pnlitioal differences. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 85 

6. Burr's After Career. — Bun- wns ever after loathed by his 
countrymen. He was afterwards engaged in a wild scheme to 
establish an independent empire, either in Mexico or in the West. 
His designs were, however, frustrated by the Government. He 
was tried for conspiracy against the United States, but, for want 
of sufficient evidence, he was acquitted. He defended his own 
case with powerful argument. His political career, however, was 
elided. 

7. Expedition of Lewis and Clarke. — In 1804, Jefferson sent 
a party of 35 soldiers and hunters under Captain Lewis and 
Lieutenant Clarke, to cross the Rocky Mountains and explore 
the continent as far as the mouth of the Columbia. After an 
absence of more than two years, having traveled more than 6,000 
miles among savage tribes and wild beasts, they returned with the 
loss of only one man. They published a book containing ac- 
counts of their adventures, which are exceedingly interesting. 

8. The First Steamboat.— In 1807, Robert Fulton, an in- 
genius American, buiit the first steamboat. She was run-on the 
Hudson fi-om New York to Albany, and was named the Cler- 
mont. The idea of navigation by means of steam was ridiculed, 
but Fulton's invention was a perfect success.* The Clermont 
plied for some years between New York and Albany— a distance 
of 160 miles. Before this the passage had been made in sloops, 
and required from six to ten days. The Clermont performed it 
in 36 hours — at the rate of about four and a half miles per hour. 
The first steamboat on western waters was in 1811. 

9. Slave Trade Abolished. — During the last year of Jefferson's 
Administration — in 1808 — the African slave trade was abolished 
by the Government. The New England States had already dis- 
posed of her slaves to the Southern States, where they were 
worked upon the large plantations. 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1809—1817. 

1. Election and Inauguration.— The Republicans, or Demo- 
crats elected Ja.\es Madison as fourth President, and on March 

*The fir.st steamship that crossed the Atlantic was the Savanrmh, in 1819. 



86 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4th, 1809, he was duly inaugurated. He was re-elected in 1812, 
thus serving eight years. His Administration was distracted by 
political contests and shaken by war. The principal events were 
a war with the Indians of the north-west, and the Second War with 
England, usually styled "The War of 1812." 

2. James Madison. — He was one of the strongest advocates of 
the Constitution, when it was under discussion in Congress in 
1787. He drafted the famous "1798-99 Resolutions," enuncia- 
ting the doctrine of State rights, which, with the accompanying 
"Report" in their defense, have been the great text-book of the 
Democratic party. 

3. Indian War. — Battle of Tippecanoe. — British emissaries 
aroused the Indians to war. A confederacy of the northwestern 
tribes was formed by the famous chief Tecumseh. The war was 
terminated by General Harrison's victory at the battle of Tippe- 
canoe, Indiana, November 7th, 1811. 



THE WAR OF 1812. 



1. Causes. — England and France were at war. England foi- 
bade all neutral vessels to trade with France, excepting such as 
paid tribute to the British. Napoleon, Emperor of the French, 
decreed that all ships which paid such tribute should be liable to 
confiscation by the French. Thus the commerce of the United 
States was in great danger of being destroyed. 

England claimed the right to search American vessels for 
British deserters ; and, in many instances, American sailors were 
taken for deserters and impressed into the British service. It is 
said that upward of 6,000 men were thus f<jrced to enter the 
British army. The American doctrine was that a foreigner could 
be naturalized and thus become an American citizen enjoying all 
the privileges of American citizenship. The British doctrine was, 
"Once an Englishman, always an Englishman." The contest was 
for "Free trade and sailors' rights." 

In 1811 a rencounter took place between the United States 
frigate President and the British sloop of war Little Belt, in which 
several men were killed. 

Great Britain continuing her depredations upon American com- 
merce. Congress declared war June 18th, 1812. 



NATIONAL PEKIOD. 87 



EVENTS OF 1812. 

1. General Hull's Surrender. — The first military operations 
were disastrous to tlie Americans. General William Hull, Gov- 
ernor of Michigan Territory, invaded Canada with an army of 
2,(J00 men ; but his incapacity was such that he quicicly abandoned 
the undertaking, and retreated to Detroit, within the American 
line, where, without firing a gun, he surrendered his whole array, 
August 15th. This was a bitter disappointment to the brave 
soldiers, who anticipated a victory and were eager for the fray. 

2. Mackinaw and Queenstown. — The important post of Mack- 
inaw, in the meantime, had been surprised and taken by the 
British ; and an attempt of the New York militia to invade 
Canada from the Niagara frontier })roved unsuccessful in the bat- 
tle of Queenstown, October 13th. 

3. Victories on the Ocean. — But these disasters on land were 
fully compensated by tlie unexpected and brilliant successes of 
the American navy. On the 13th of August (1812), the first 
naval victory of the war was achieved — the United States frigate 
Essex, Captain Pokter, falling in with and capturing the British 
sloop of war Alert, after an action of only eight minutes. This 
engagement took place off the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. 

On the 19th of August the United States frigate Constitution, 
Captain Isaac Hull (nephew of Gen. William Hull), captured 
the British frigate Guerriere (gare-e-are'), Capt. Dacres, off the 
coast of Massachusetts. 

On the 18th of October the United States sloop of war Wasp, 
Capt. Jones, captured the British l)rig of war Frolic, off the 
coast of North Carolina. 

On the 25th of the same month the frigate United States, Capt. 
Decatur, captured the British frigate Macedonian, off the 
Western Isles, Scotland. 

On December 29th the Constitution, Capt. Bainbridge, made 
another capture- — of the British frigate Java, off San Salvador, 
West Indies. 

During the same year the American privateers captured nearly 
300 British vessels, many of them strongly manned. 



88 IlISTOKY OF THE UNITEIJ STATJ:8 

These brilliant victories humbled the proud "Mistress of the 
Seas" — so-called — and crowned tlie American iiavv Avith jilory 
and fame. 

EVENTS OF 1813. 

1. Battle of Frenchtown. — The campaign of 1813 liegan un- 
favorably for the Americans. 

On January 22d the Americans under General Winchestkk 
routed the enemy at Frenchtown on the Raisin Kiver in Michigan. 
Shortly after, Winchester's camp was attacked by an army of 
1,000 British and Indians from Maiden (maul'-denj, (-anada, 
under Ueneral Proctor. After a desperate struggle the Ameri- 
cans surrendered, on condition that their lives and personal 
property should be safe. No sooner, ho\vever, had they given up 
their arras, than the savages fell upon them, tomahawking and 
scalping the defenseless victims. The treacherous British Geneial 
did not interfere to prevent these barbarities. 

2. Capture of the Peacock. — On the 23d of January— the day 
following the memorable action at Frenchtown — an engagement 
took place between the Hornet, Capt. Jamej? Lawrence, and the 
British sloop of war Peacock, Capt. Peake, off South America. 
The action lasted but fifteen minutes, when the l^eacock struck 
her colors. 

3. Capture of York.— On April 27th the Americans, led by 
General Albert Pike, attacked and took York, now Toronto, 
then the capital of Upper Canada (Ontario). The gallant Pike 
and 200 of his brave men were killed in the moment of victory, 
by the blowing up of the enemy's magazine which had beeu 
ignited by a slow match lighted just before tlie fort was aboi'.doned. 
Tills post was, however, evacuated in May. 

4- Siege of Fort Meigs. — The British under the notorious 
Proctor, besieged the Americans under Genei-al Harrison, at Fort 
Meigs, Ohio, May 1st; but, fiinding tlie phuie gallantly defended, 
Proctor raised the siege and retreated to Maiden. 

5. Heroic Defense of Fort Stephenson. — Repulsed at Foit 
Meigs, Proctor with 500 British regulars and 800 Indians 
stormed Fort Stephenson, Ohio, August 2d. This was garrisoned 
by only 150 men under Major Croghan, a young man of twenty- 
one. The fort was so <rallantlv defended aii<l such havoc made 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 89 

iimong the enemy's ranks, that they were compelled to abandon 
the siege. Croghan and his heroic little band received the 
plaudits of their admiring countrymen. 

6. Fort George and Sackett's Harbor. — May 27th the Ameri- 
cans under General Dearborn captured Fort George, on the 
Niagara river, Canada, a British post defended by Colonel St. 
Vincent. In the meantime, the British under Sir James Yeo, 
learning that Dearborn had sailed with his fleet from Sackett's 
Harbor to attack Fort George, immediately made an assault on 
that place, but were gallantly repulsed May 29th by General 
Brown, a fine oflicer. 

7 Loss of the Chesapeake. — Capt. Broke, commander of the 
British frigate Shannon, challenged Capt. James Lawrence of 
the American frigate Chesapeake to a naval battle. Lawrence 
accepted the challenge, though his vessel was undergoing repairs, 
and many of the crew that had not been discharged, were some- 
what mutinous on account of not having received their pay for 
former services. The engagement, occurring June 1st, off South 
America, was bloody and disastrous to the Chesapeake, nearly all 
her men being cut down. Capt. Lawrence was mortally wounded, 
and in his delirium, continually raved — "Don't give up the ship !" 
The British boarded her, and they, not the Americans, lowered 
her colors. 

8. Slaughter at Fort Mimms. — August 30th the Creek Indians 
incited by the vigilant Tecumseh, fell upon the defenseless garrison 
of Fort Mimms on the Alabama river, slaughtering the women 
aud children. This horrid butchery was avenged March 27th, 
1814, by General Andrew Jackson, who marched into the 
Creek country, and in a desperate battle at a place called Horse 
Shoe Bend, defeated them with great slaughter. The remnant 
were glad to sue for peace. 

9. Perry's Victory. — The most glorious naval engagement of 
the war was the capture of a British fleet on Lake Erie, in com- 
mand of Commodore Barclay, a veteran soldier — by Commodore 
Oliver H. Perry, a young man of 28, who had never seen a 
naval battle. 

The Americans had no navy on that lake, but Perry and his 

men went to work, and in a short time nine vessels with 54 guns 

were ready for action. The British fleet consisted of six vessels 

mounting 63 guns. 

11 



90 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

The battle took place September 10th, and was a hard fought 
one. Perry's flag-ship, the Lawrence, became disabled and nearly 
every man on board killed or wounded. He therefore a!)andoned 
her, and leaping into a boat, was rowed, flag in hand, to the 
Niagara, his largest vessel, amidst a shower of shot from the 
enemy's ships. After reaching the Niagara, the battle was 
renewed with increased vigor. The British fleet was raked right 
and left, and was obliged to surrender. Perry sent to General 
Harrison, commander-in-chief of the Western Army, the follow- 
ing laconic dispatch : "We have met the enemy, and they are 
ours — two ships, two brigs, one schooner and a sloop." 

10. Battle of the Thames. — October 5th General Harrison 
attacked the British encampment, under Proctor, on the river 
Thames (tames), about eighty miles from Detriot. The battle 
was desperate on both sides. The enemy was totally defeated 
with great loss. Proctor, at the head of 200 dragoons, found 
safety in disgraceful flight. The truly heroic Tecumseh fell in 
this battle — shot, it is supposed, by Colonel R. M. Johnson, who 
commanded a regiment of gallant Kentuckians. Upon his death, 
the Indians immediately fled. This decisive battle put an end to 
tlie Indian war in that quarter. 



EVENTS OF 1814. 



1. Battle of Chippewa. — The Americans under the two able 
generals, Scott and Brown, gained a brilliant victory over the 
British under General Riall, at Chippewa, Canada, July 5th 
(1814). Some of Wellington's boasted veterans were engaged 
in this battle, but were worsted by the dashing soldiers of Scott. 

2. Battle of Limdy's Lane. — General Scott, on the 25th of 
July, in the bloodiest contest of the war. gained another victory 
over the British under General Riall at Lundy's Lane, Canada, 
The loss was heavy on both sides. 

3. The British Capture Washington City.— August 24th an 

army of British troops under General Ross captured Washington, 
burned the Capitol and other public buildings, together with 
many private buildings and storehouses. They then sailed around 
to Baltimore, which they attacked September 13th, but were 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 91 

gallantly repulsed by the people of that city, who rose en masse 
against the invaders. In the conflict. Gen, Ross was killed. 

During the bombardment of Fort McHenry, at the entrance of 
the city, the song entitled "The Star Spangled Banner" was 
composed by Francis S. Key, an American who was detained on 
board of the British fleet. 

The people of Baltimore have erected a noble monument to 
the memory of the brave men who fell in the defense of the city. 
This, with one to the memory of Washington, has given to 
Baltimore the name of "Monumental City." 

4. Battle of Lake Champlain. — General Prevost, commander 
of the British Army in Canada, learning that 1,500 American 
troops had been left at Plattsburg, New York, on Lake Cham- 
plain, took 12,000 veteran soldiers who had served under 
Wellington in the war with Napoleon, and marched against the 
place. At the same time, September 11th, the British fleet on 
Lake Champlain, in command of Commodore Downee, assailed 
the American squadron, under Commodore JNIcDonough. 
McDonough's squadron almost annihilated the British fleet, and 
added another brilliant victory to the American navy. The 
engagement was witnessed by thousands of people from the shore. 

The gallant little army at Plattsburg defended the place 
vigorously against the attack of Prevosfs army, and prevented his 
troops' crossing the Saranac river. When he found that his fleet 
on the lake had been destroyed, he fled in haste, leaving his sick 
and wounded, and large quantities of military stores. 



CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR. 

1. Peace. — Battle of New Orleans.— On December 24th, 1814, 
the treaty of peace between England and the United States was 
signed at Ghent, Belgium. The news did not reach this country 
till February 17th, 1815. Though the war had been popular, 
yet the tidings of peace were received with universal rejoicing. 

In the mean time (January 8th, 1815), had been fought the 
most terrible battle — to the British — of the war. A fleet of 
12,000 British troops, under Generals Pakenham and Gibes, 
invaded Louisiana and attempted to capture New Orleans. After 
considerable skirmishing and several small battles, the Americans 
finally (January 8th) intrenched themselves behind a breastwork 



92 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of earth, boxes, cotton bales, etc. The British troops advanced 
boldly to the attack in perfect order. Waiting till they 
came up close to the breastwork, General Andrew Jackson, 
commander of the Americans, ordered his shari>shooters — many 
of whom were Kentuckians and Tennesseeans — to fire. The work 
of death among the enemy's ranks was terrible. Whole platoons 
were mowed down at every discharge. Pakenham and Gibbs 
were both killed. The British, now in disorder and panic- 
stricken, retreated, leaving 2,000 soldiers dead on the field. The 
Americans lost but seven killed and six wounded. 

2. Results of the Second War with England.— The results of 
this war were : 

First, — the United States gained the respect of European 
nations, and the superiority of the x'Vmericau navy was fully 
established. The boasted saying, "Britania rules the wave." was 
now disputed. 

Second, — it was proved that it was impossible for any foreign 
power to gain a permanent foothold on our territory. 

Third, — the failures of expeditions against Canada, though 
undertaken by brave and daring men, proved that the strength of 
the United States consisted in defensive warfare. 

Fourth, — the English having cut off trade by blockade, 
extensive home manufactories were established, which have ever 
since been a source of wealth and prosperity. 

The evils that usually follow a war were felt, but the wonderful 
resources of the country and the enterprise of the people soon 
overcame these. 

3. The First National Bank. — The first bank established by the 
Government was the "Bank of the United States," with 
$35,000,000. It received the President's signature on April 10th, 
1816. It was located at Philadelphia. 

4. Six New States Admitted. — From the organization of the 
Government to the clo.se of Madison's Administration (March 
1817), the following-named States having, re.>ipectively, sufiicient 
population, became members of the Union : 

Vermont was admitted as the 14th State, March 4, 1791. 
Kentucky " " " " 15th " June 1, 1792. 

Tennessee " " " " 16th " June 1, 1796. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 93 

Ohio was admitted as the 17th State, February 19, 1803. 
Louisiana was " " " 18th " April 8, 1812. 

Indiana " " " " 19th " December 11, 1816. 

5. Settlement of these States. — Vermont — deriving its name 
from two French words — verd, green, and mont, mountain — was 
settled at Bruttleboro' in 1724 by people from Connecticut and 
Massachusetts. 

Kentucky — meaning the "Dark and Bloody Ground," because 
of the bloody encounters with Indians — was formerly a part of 
Virginia, and was first visited by Daniel Boone, the great 
hunter, in 1769- The first settlement was made at Harrodsburg, 
on June 16, 1774. Lexington was settled in 1775, and Louisville 
in 1778. 

Tennessee — which derives its name from the Tennessee river — 
an Indian word meaning "The river with a great bend" — was 
settled at Fort Loudon, thirty miles from the present site of 
Knoxville, in 1756. The State was originally a part of North 
Carolina, from which it was separated in 1789. Nashville was 
founded in 1765. Kentucky and Tennessee were carved from 
the "Territory South of the River Ohio." (See Map). 

Ohio — which is an Indian word for "Beautiful River" — was 
settled at Marietta in 1788 — by a colony of New Englanders led 
by General RuFUS Putnam, Cincinnati — first called Fort Wash- 
ington — was founded in 1789. Ohio was the first State carved 
out of the Northwest Territory. (See Map). 

Louisiana* — named in honor of Louis XIV. of France — was 
first settled at Biloxi in 1699 by the French. New Orleans was 
founded in 1718. 

Indiana — a word derived from the word Indian — was settled at 
Vincennes (vin-sens') about the year 1655. It was the second 
State admitted from the Northwest Territory. (See Map). 

6. War with Algiers. -"The Algerines had taken advantage 
of the war with England to renew their depredations on 
American commerce. Decatur, in May, 1815, was sent with a 
squadron to right matters in that quarter. Proceeding to Algiers, 
Tunis and Tripoli, he obtained the liberation of American 
prisoners, and full indemnity for all losses, with pledges for the 

*For the exlent of Louisiana, originally, see Jefferson's Administration; 
also, see "Map of Territorial Growth." 



94 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

future." The United States was the first nation to effectually 
resist the demands of the Barbary pirates for tribute 

7. Authors of a Half Century. — The authors of marked 
ability, who flourished during the half centuiy preceding the 
close of the Second War with England, were : 

Philip Freneau (fre'-no). Revolutionary poet. 

Joel Barlow, author of the Columbiad. 

John Marshall, author of an excellent life of Washington. 

Fisher Ames, political and legal writer. 

Noah Webster, the Lexicographer, author of "Webster's 
Dictionary." 

William Wirt, legal and miscellaneous writer. 

Charles Brockden Brown, the first American novelist. 



Note to the Teacher — Require the pupils to make separate Tables 
of the following : Of the battles gained by the Americans in the War of 
1812 ; of battles gained by the British; of the American commanders; 
of the British commanders ; and to recite them. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 95 



RECAPITULATION 

OF THE 

BATTLES OF THE SECOI^D WAR WITH ENGLAND. 

The various battles, sieges and captures of the Second War 
with England, tabulated in chronological order, were: 

1. Naval Battle between the Essex (Am.) and the Alert (Br.), 
Aug. 13, 1812. Com. Porter com. Am's. Am's victorious. 

2. Surrender of General William Hull to British, Aug. 15, 
1812, on eve of battle. 

3. Naval Battle between Constitution (Am.) and Guerriere 
' (Br.), Aug. 19, 1812. Capt. Isaac Hull commanded Am's; 

Capt. Dacres, the Br. Am's victorious. 

4. Battle of Queenstown, Oct. 13, 1812; Am's defeated. 
Gen. Van Rensselaer commanded Am's ; Gen. Brock, the Br. 

5. Naval Battle between the Wasp (Am.) and the Frolic (Br.), 
Oct. 18, 1812. Capt. Jones commanded Am's; Capt. Whin- 
yates, the Br, Am's victorious. 

6. Naval Battle between the United States (Am.) and the 
Macedonian (Br.), Oct 25, 1812. Capt. Decatur commanded 
Am's. Am's victorious. 

7. Naval Battle between the Constitution (Am.) and the Java 
(Br.), Dec. 29, 1812. Com. Bainbridge commanded Am's; 
Capt. Lambert, the Br. Am's victorious. 

8. Battle of Prenchtown, Jan. 22, 1813 ; Am's defeated. 
Gen. Winchester commanded Am's ; Gen. Proctor, the Br. 



96 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

9. Naval Battle between the Hornet (Am.) aud the Peacock 
(Br.), Jan. 23, 1813. CajDt Lawrence commanded Am's ; Capt. 
Peake, the Br. Am's victorious. 

10. Battle of York, April 27, 1813 ; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Pike commanded Am's ; Gen. Sheaffe, the Br. 

11. Siege of Fort Meigs, May 1, 1813 ; Br. repulsed. 
Gen. Harrison commanded Am's ; Gen. Proctor, the Br. 

12. Capture of Fort George, May 27, 1813 ; by the Am's. 
Gen. Dearborn commanded Am's ; Col. St. Vincent, the Br. 

13. Battle of Sackett's Harbor, May 29, 1813; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Brown, commanded Am's ; Sir James Yeo, the Br. 

14. Naval Battle between the Chesapeake (Am.) and the 
Shannon (Br.), June 1, 1813. Capt. Lawrence commanded 
Am's ; Capt. Broke, the Br. Am's defeated 

15. Siege of Fort Stephenson, Aug. 2, 1813 ; Br. repulsed. 
Maj. Croghan commanded Am's ; Gen. Proctor, the Br. 

16. Naval Battle between the Argm (x\m.) and the Pelican 
(Br.), Aug. 14, 1813. Capt. Allen commanded Am's, Am's 
defeated. 

17. Slaughter at Fort Mimms, Aug. 30, 1813; by Creek 
Indians. The British incited the Indians to do the deed. 

18. Naval Battle between the Enterprise (Am.) and the Boxer 
(Br.), Sept. 5, 1813. Capt. Burrows commanded Am's; Capt. 
Blythe, the Br. Am's victorious. 

19. Naval Battle between Am. fleet and Br. fleet, on Lake 
Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. Com. Perry commanded Am's; Com 
Barclay, the Br. Am's victorious. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 97 

20. Battle of the Thames, Oct. 5, 1813; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Harrison commanded Am's ; Gen. Proctor, the Br. 

21. Naval Battle between the Essex (Am.) and a Br. fleet, 
Mar. 28, 1814. Com. Porter commanded Am's ; Com. Hillyar, 
the Br. Am's defeated. 

22. Battle of Chippewa, July 5, 1814; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Winfield Scott commanded Am's ; Gen. Riall, the Br. 

23. Battte of Lundy's Lane, July 25th, 1814; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Scott commanded Am's; Gen. Riall, the Br. 

24. Capture of Washington City Aug. 24, 1814, by the Br. 
Gen. Ross burned the Capitol building. 

25. Naval Battle between Br, fleet and Am. fleet on Lake 
Champlain, Sept. 11, 1814. Com. McDonough commanded 
Am's ; Com. Downie, the Br. Am's victorious. 

26. Battle of Plattsburg, Sept. 11, 1814; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Izard commanded Am's ; Gen. Prevost, the Bj\ 

27. Battle of Baltimore, Sept. 13, 1814; Br. repulsed. 
Gen. Strieker commanded Am's ; Gen. Ross, the Br. 

28. Battle of New Orleans, Jan. 8, 1815 ; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Jackson commanded Am's ; Gen. Pakenham, the Br. 



12 



98 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



RECAPITULATION. 

CRONOLOGY OF EVENTS RECORDED IN SECTION I. 

(national period.) 

1789, Washington inaugurated first President, April 30. 

1790, Gen. Harmar defeated by the Indians of tlie Northwest. 

1791, Gen. St. Clair defeated by the Indians of the Northwest, 
September. 

1791, Vermont admitted as the 14th State, March 4. 

1792, Kentucky admitted as the 15th State, June 1. 

1793, The Cotton Gin invented by Eli Whitney. 

1794, Anthony Wayne defeats the Indians of the Northwest 

1796. Tennessee admitted as the 16th State, June 1. 

1797, Washington retires from public hfe, March 4. 

1797, John Adams inaugurated second President, March 4. 

1798, Difficulties with France, threatening war. 

1800, Seat of Government removed to Washington City. 

1801, Thomas Jefferson inaugurated third President, March 4. 
1801, War with Tripoli begins. 

1803, Ohio admitted as the 17th State, Feb. 19th. 

1803, Louisiana purcliased from France. 

1804, The Hamilton-Burr Duel— Hamilton killed July 11. 

1804, Lewis and Clark start on their northwestern expedition. 

1805, The Tripolitans compelled to make peace. 

1807, Robert Pulton constructs the first steamboat. 

1808, The African slave trade abolished by the Government. 

1809, James Madison inaugurated 4th President, Marcli 4th. 
1811, Battle of Tippecanoe fought, Indians defeated Nov. 7. 

1811, Naval Battle between the President and the Little Belt. 

1812, Madison re-elected President. 

1812, Louisiana admitted as the 18th State, Ai)ril 8. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 99 

1812, War formally declared between England and the 
United States, June 18. 

1812, The Essex (Am.) captures the AleH (Br.) off New- 
foundland, Aug. 13. 

1812, Gen. Wm. Hull surrenders to Br. at Detroit, Aug. 15., 

1812, The Constitution (Am.) captures the Guerriere (Br.) off 
Massachusetts, Aug. 19. 

1812, Battle of Queenstown — Americans defeated — Aug. 13. 

1812, The Wasp (Am.) captures the Frolic (Br.) off North 
Carolina, Oct. 18. 

1812, The United States (Am.) captures the Macedonian (Br.) 
off Western Isles, Oct. 25. 

1812, The Constitution (Am.), captures the Java (Br.) off San 
Salvador, Dec. 29. 

1813, Battle of Prenchtown— Americans defeated — Jan'y 23. 
1813, The Hornet (Am.) captures the Peacock (Br.) off South 

America, Jan'y 23. 

1813, York Captured by the Americans, April 27. 

1813, British repulsed at Sackett's Harbor, May 29. 

1813, The Chesapeake (Am.) captured by the Shannon (Br.) 
off South America, June 1. 

1813, British and Indians repulsed at Port Stephenson, Aug. 2. 

1813, Slaughter of garrison at Fort Mimms, by Creek Indians, 
Aug. 80. 

1813, Perry gains a brilliant victory on Lake Erie, Sep. 10. 

1813, Gen. Harrison defeats British and Indians at battle of 
the Thames, Oct. 5. 

1814, The Creek Indians subdued by Gen. Jackson. 
1814, British defeated at battle of Chippewa, July 5th. 
1814, British defeated at battle of Lundy's Lane, July 25. 
1814. Washington City captured by British, Aug. 24. 
1814, British Fleet captured on Lake Champlain, Sept. 11. 
1814, British repulsed at Plattsburg, Sept. 11. 



100 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1814, Britisll repulsed at Baltimore, Sept. 13. 

1815, Treaty of Peace signed at Ghent, Dec. 24th. 
1815, Britisll repulsed at battle of New Orleans, Jan'y 8. 
1815, News of Peace reaches United States, Feb'y 17. 

1815, Algerine Pirates subdued by the United States, May. 

1816, The First National Bank established, April 10. 
1816, Indiana admitted as the 19th State, Dec. 11. 




NATIO>JAL PERIOD. 101 



SECTION II. 

FROM THE CLOSE OF THE 

SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND TO THE CLOSE 

OF THE 

WAR WITH MEXICO. 

1815—1848. 

MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1817—1825. 

1. Monroe Inaugurated. — In the Presidential election held in 
the autumn of 1816, James Monroe of Virginia was elected by 
the Republicans, or Democrats as the fifth President, witli 
Daniel D. Tomkins of New York, Vice-President. The inau- 
gni-ation took place March 4th, 1817. Monroe served two terms. 
This administration was one of peace and prosperity to the 
country. 

2. James Monroe. — James Monroe served in the Revolutionary 
War, afterward was a member of both houses of Congress, 
governor of Virginia and minister to France and England. He 
appointed John C. Calhoun Secretary of War ; and William 
Wirt Attorney General. In the early part of his term, Monroe 
made a tour through New England and the north-west, and was 
well leceived by the people. 

3. Politics. — The violence of party spirit had now subsided, 
and the Federal party had been broken up by its oppositioil to the 
late war. All parties were now blended in the Republican, or 
Democratic party. 

4. Immigration. — For the first twenty years after the Revolu- 
tionary War, the average foreign immigration was about 6,000 
annually ; then for ten years, owing to the hostile relations of 
England, France and America, the tide of immigration was 
checked. After the War of 1812 foreign immigration was 
resumed. The whole number of immigrants arriving at our 



102 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

shores within the period embraced by this section (1815-1848), 
was over two millions. From the Atlanic States thousands 
poured " into the fertile valleys of the Ohio and the Mississippi. 
The West was now being rapidly developed, and its fertile soil 
tilled by a hardy and energetic race of pioneers. 

5. The Colonization Society. — This Society was formed in 
December. 1816. Its object was to provide a home for free per- 
sons of color, where they could enjoy the rights of self-govern- 
ment. The place selected in 1820 — on the western coast of Africa 
— was named Liberia, and its capital was called Monrovia, after 
President Monroe. 

6. The Erie Canal. — The subject of internal improvement now- 
received additional attention. The Erie Canal — -connecting 
Lake Erie at Buffalo, with the Hudson at Albany — was com- 
menced in 1817 and finished in 1825. It is 363 miles long, 40 
feet wide, and contains 83 locks of solid masonry. Its cost was 
S7,500,000. 

7. The Seminoles.— The Seminoles, a powerful tribe of 
Indians on the bordei's of Georgia and Alabama, within the 
Spanish Territory (Florida) bavins' become hostile and committed 
depredations on the frontier settlements. General Jackson was 
sent against them. In March, 1818, he devastated their country 
and reduced them to submission. They afterward gave more 
trouble, as we shall see. 

8. Florida Ceded to the United States.— February 22d, 1819, 
a treaty was made with Spain, by which the Territory of Florida 
was ceded to the United States, for which the latter gave up all 
claim to Texas and paid $5,000,000. (See Map). Texas was at 
that time a part of Mexico, under Spanish dominion. In 1821 
Mexico became independent of Spain. 

9. Monroe Doctrine. — In one of President Monroe's messages, 
he declared "that any attempt by a European nation to gain dominion 
in America, would be considered by Hie United States as an unfriendly 
act" This principle has since been styled the Monroe Doctrine. 

10. La Fayette's Visit. — In 1824 La Fayette, now an old man 
visited the United States and was received as the ''Nation's 
Guest." The people remembering his disinterested services in 
the Revolution, welcomed him with enthusiasm and honored the 
venerable patriot. He beheld with keen emotion the gigantic 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 103 

strides the country had taken to wealth and prosperity. He 
visited many leading places of the Union and wept at the tomb 
of Washington. 

11. Five More New States Admitted. —The following named 
States were admitted into the Union during Monroe's Adminis- 
tration : 

Mississippi was admitted as the 20th State, Dec. 10th, 1817. 

Illinois " " " 21st State, Dec. 3d, 1818." 

Alabama " " * " 22d State, Dec. 14th, 1819. 

Maine " " " 23d State, March 15th, 1820. 

Missouri " " " 24th State, Aug. 10th, 1821. 

12. Settlement of these States.— Mississippi was settled at St. ■ 
Peters in 1703. The word means "Great Father of Waters." 

Illinois — from its princij^al river, signifying "River of Men" — 
was settled at Kaskaskia in 1688. This was the third State ad- 
mitted from the North West Territory. (See Map). Its settle- 
ment was gieatly impeded by Indian hostilities. 

Alabama was settled at Mobile (mo-beel') in 1702. The word 
is of Indian origin and signifies "Here we rest." It was originally 
a part of Georgia. Alabama and Mississippi were carved from 
"The Mississippi Territory." (See Map). 

Maine was settled at Saco (Saw'-ko) in 1623. (See Colonial 
History). It was originally a part of Massachusetts. The word 
means mainland. 

Missouri — an Indian word signifying "Muddy Water" — was 
settled at St. Genevieve (jen-eve') in 1755. When the Territory 
of Louisiana became a State in* 1812, the remainder of the 
Province was named Missouri. St. Louis was founded in 1764. 

13. The Missouri Compromise.— The admission of Missouri 
was preceded by violent debates in Congress, which agitated the 
whole country. The question was whether to admit her as a free 
State or as a slave State. A bill called the "Missouri Com- 
promise," introduced by Henry Clay, settled the difficulty. 
The bill was to the effect that slavery .should be allowed in Mis- 
souri, and in all States that might be formed south of latitude 36° 
30', but should be forbidden north of this line and west of Mis- 
souri. This bill was passed March 3d, 1821. 



104 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1825—1829. 

1. His Election and Inauguration. — The great party which 
had twice triumphantly elected Monroe, was now divided into the 
Whig party and the Republican, or Democratic party. The 
Whigs were in favor of a protective tariff and a general system 
of internal improvements ; the Democrats opposed these. John 
QuiNCY Adams and Henry Clay were the champions of the 
Whigs ; Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun of the Democrats. 
No candidate receiving a majority of votes, the election went to 
the House of Representatives, where John Quincy Adams was 
chosen. He was inaugurated sixth President March, 4th, 1825, 
with John C. Calhoun as Vice-President. During this Adminis- 
tration the great questions of internal improvement and a pro- 
tective tariff* were debated in Congress. 

2. John Quincy Adams. — He was a son of John Adams, the 
second President. He was a scholar, an orator, a diplomatist, 
and a model legislator. Hig Administration — one term — was 
prosperous, though distracted by party strife. He died February 
23, 1848. 

3. High Protective Tariff. — In 1828, in accordance with the 
views of the President, increased duties were laid on cotton, 
linen and woolen fabrics, silk, iron, lead, etc.- The North was of 
course benefitted by this new tariff, because it prevented foreign 
goods from selling lower than those produced at home ; but 
southern statesmen, including Calhoun, violently opposed it, as, 
thereby, the south had to pay higher rates for articles it was 
obliged to use. 

4. Free-Masonry. — Free-Masonry was introduced into this 
country in 1730. 

In September, 1826, William Morgan, a mason, was mysteri- 



*"A protective tariff is a duty imposed on imported goods for the 
purpose of encouraging their manufacture at home. The Southern 
States, devoted to agricultural pursuits, desired to have foreign goods 
brought to them as cheaply as possible ; while the Eastern States, engaged 
in manufactures, wished to have foreign competition shut off by heavy 
duties." Hence, sectional contention. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 105 

ously disposed of for threatening to reveal the secrets of the order. 
Much ill-feeling toward the fraternity was manifested therefor, 
but now to be a ' 'free and accepted mason" is to be honored and 
respected. 

5. Deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. — These two 
great men died on the same day — July 4, 1826. Jefferson 
expired a few hours before Adams. Jefferson's last words were : 
"I resign my soul to my God, and my daughter to my country." 
The expiring words of Adams were: "Jefferson survives." 
Jefferson did live, but it was beyond the tomb. 

6. The First Rail Road. — In 1827 the first steam railway was 
constructed — the Baltimore and Ohio road. There are now 
(1878) upward of T^POO miles of railroad in the United States. 



JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1829—1837. 

1. Inauguration. — March 4th, 1829 Andrew Jackson, a staunch 
Democrat, was inaugurated seventh President with Calhoun, 
Vice-President. His opponent in the race was John Quincy 
Adams, candidate of the Whigs. 

2. Andrew Jackson. — Jackson was a man of determined will, 
which gave him the name of "Old Hickor}'." He had great 
energy and an intuitive judgment. He distinguished himself in 
the War of 1812, and in battles with the Indians. He removed 
from office all who were his political opponents and installed men 
who were of his own politics. His course has been generally 
followed by succeeding Presidents. Jackson was re-elected in 
1833, thus serving eight years. 

3. Asiatic Cholera. — In 1832 the United States was visited by 
the Asiatic Cholera, an epidemic that originated in the marshes 
of the Ganges, India in 1817. After devastating a great part of 
India it took its course westward to London in 1831, then crossed 
the Atlantic to America. Medical skill seemed powerless to check 
its ravages. It disappeared toward the close of the year (1832), 
after hurrying thousands into eternity. It has been present in 
somewhat milder forms at various times since. 

4. Black Hawk's War. — The Sacs and Foxes, Indians (wcupy- 

• IS 



106 HlSTOllY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

t 

ing the Territory of Northern lUiiioi.s — land which they had 
years before sold to the United States — refused to vacate the 
region. Several skirmishes took place between United States 
troops and these Indians under Black Hawk their chief. Gen- 
eral Scott with an army was sent against them, and afl^r losing 
many of his men by the cholera — raging at that time — he defeatetl 
them in a final battle, August 2d, 1832. Black Hawk was 
captured, and was permitted to visit the large cities, military 
posts, &c. He was at length allowed to return to his tribe, fully 
convinced from what he had seen of the United States, that it 
was useless for Indians to fight against so poweiful a nation. 

5. The Nullifiers of South CaroUna— The tariff of 1828, as 
we have seen, gave general dissatisfaction to the cotton growing 
States. In South Carolina, especially, it was bitterly opposed by 
the leading men of the State, claiming that Congress had no 
constitutional right to pass laws for the benefit of one section of 
the country, and to the serious detriment of another. 

^ In 1832 Congress passed a new tariff, but it was as distasteful 
to the South as the former one. South Carolina made prepara- 
tions to prevent with arms the enforcement of the new tariff. 
The whole country was excited. The immortal Clay, "who would 
rather be right than President," warded off the threatening 
cloud with a compromise satisfactory to both sections. This bill 
passed Congress March 3d, 1833. It provided for a gradual re- 
duction of the duties, until in ten years it should reach the 
standard demanded by the South. 

6. Removal of the Cherokees. — The Cherokee nation, previous 
to 1884, occupied the southern part ot Georgia and the northern 
part of Florida. They had made considerable advancement in 
civilization, having a republican form of government, news- 
papers, churches and schools. They numbered 15,000. 

In 1834 Congress set apart the "Indian Territory" for theii- 
permanent residence. They refused to leave their homes in 
Georgia and Florida; but, finally, for the sum of $5,000,000, 
they reluctantly gave up their lands and removed to the Territory 
assigned them (1837). 

7. The Texan War. — As we have learned, the Territory of 
Texas was a part of Mexico and subject to Spain. For many 
years Spain prohibited immigration to this region, but finally 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 107 

granted Stephen F. Austin of Connecticut, a large tract in 
that province on condition that he would settle it with several 
hundred families. Within a few years immigration rapidl} 
increased ; and in 1830 there were about 20,000 Americans in 
Texas. 

In the meantime (1821), Mexico gained independence of 
Spain. The Mexicans became jealous of the prosperity of these 
American settlers and pursued an unjust and oppressive policy 
toward them. Their remonstrances being disregarded, they 
declared their independence of Mexico (1834) and made ready 
to secure it by force of arms. The General Government favored 
the Texans, and sent volunteers to aid them. 

Battle of Gonzales. — In 1835 the revolution began with the 
battle of Gonzales (gon-zah'-les), in which 1,000 Mexicans were 
defeated by 500 Texans. 

Tke Alamo. — The Alamo, a strong Mexican fortress, was 
captured and the whole Mexican army dispersed (1835). 

Afterward, March 6, 1836, General Santa Anna with a force 
of 8,000 Mexicans, attacked the Alamo, which had been left in 
charge of only 187 gallant men. Every man in the Alamo was 
killed, some while asking for quarter. Here fell the celebrated 
David Crockett, within a circle of prostrated Mexicans whom 
he had slain with his sword. 

Battle of San Jacinto.— On the 21st of April, 1836, the 
Mexican army of 1,500 men under Santa Anna, was totally 
routed by 800 Texans under General Sam Houston. This 
decisive battle ended the war and secured the independence of 
the Texan republic. 

8. Great Fire in New York City. On December 16, 1835, a 
very destructive fire pccurred in New York City, It broke out 
near the corner of Wall and Broad streets, and before it could be 
arrested, nearly $18,000,000 of property was destroyed. Thou- 
sands of people were reduced to poverty and thousands rendered 
homeless. 

9. Seminole War. — In 1835 a long and harassing Indian war 
began. The Seminoles inhabiting the interior of Florida, 
4'efused to remove west, in accordance with a previous agreement. 
The Government sent troops to force their departure, but Oceola, 
their wily chief, baffled and entrapped the soldiers on manv 
occasions. A detachment of 117 men under Major Dade, fell 



108 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

into an ambuscade and every man except one, was killed, and he 
escaped only by feigning death. This troublesome war did not 
terminate till 1842, when the defiant Seminoles reluctantly took 
their course westward. 

Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, both of whom 
afterward became prominent in our country's history, were 
engaged in this war. 

10. Bank of the United States. —A bill renewing the charter 
of the United States Bank was vetoed by Jackson during: his first 
term. "After his re-election by an overwhelming majority, 
considering his policy sustained by the people, he ordered (1833) 
the public money to be removed from its vaults. The bank 
thereupon contracted its loans. Money became scarce. People 
were unable to pay their debts. Commercial distress ensued. 
These measures excited the most violent clamor. Jackson was, 
however, sustained by the Democratic majority in the House of 
Repi'esentatives." 

11. Speculations Rife. — "When the public money, withdrawn 
from the Bank of the United States, was deposited in local banks, 
it became easy for any one to borrow money. Speculations 
extended to nearly every branch of trade, but especially to 
western lands. New cities (in imagination) were laid out in the 
wilderness. Fabulous prices were charged for building-lots, which 
existed only on paper. Scarcely a man could be found who had 
not his pet project for realizing a fortune. The bitter fruits of 
these hot-house schemes were gathered in Van Buren's time." 

12. Decease of Six G-reat Men. — Some eminent men, who died 
during Jackson's Administration, were: 

James Monroe, ex-President, July 4, 1831^ aged 72 years. 
He was a soldier, statesman and diplomatist. 

Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, 1832, aged 96 years. 
He was the last surviving signer of the Declaration. 

Philip Freneau, 1832, aged 80 years. 
He was a poet of Revolutionary times. 

John Randolph, of Roanoke, INIay 24, 1833, aged 60 years. 
He was a statesman and wit, and noted for his eccentricity. 

John Marshall, 1835, aged 80 years. He was Chief-Justice of 
the United States and author of a "Life of Washington." 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 109 

James Madison, ex-President, 1836, aged 85 years. 
He was President, during the Second War with England. 

13. Two More New States. — During Jackson's Administration 
two new States were admitted, as follows: 

Arkansas was admitted as the 25th State, June 15, 1836. 
Louisiana " " " " 26th " Jan'y 26, 1837. 

14. Settlement of these States. — Arkansas was settled by the 
French in 1685. It derived its name from a now extinct tribe of 
of Indians. 

Michigan was settled at St. Mary's in 1668 by the French. It 
derives its name from an Indian word signifying "Great Lake." 
Detroit was founded in 1701. This was the fourth State 
admitted from the Noitliwest Territory. (See Map). 



VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1837.— 1841. 

1. Election and Inauguration. — In the fall of 1836 the 
Democrats — supporters of Jackson's Administration — elected 
Martin Van Buren, of New York, eighth Pi-esident. His 
opponent was William Henry Harrison, of Ohio, Whig. 
Colonel Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, was elected Vice- 
President. Van Buren was inaugurated March 4, 1837. 

2. Martin Van Buren. — In 1831 he was appointed minister to 
England, but the nomination being rejected by the Senate, his 
party elected him Vice-President in Jackson's second term. He 
was a candidate for a second term, but was defeated by Harrison. 

3. Financial Panic of 1837. — Owing to the removal of the 
public funds from the United States Bank, and depositing it in 
various State Banks — thereby giving free scope to speculation 
and extravagance — the banks suspended payment, and the whole 
country was involved in a financial panic (1837). Thousands 
were made bankrupt, and ruin threatened the people. By 
judicious management, however, the monetary tide was stemmed 
and the country recovered, though not till after Van Buren's 
time. 



110 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



HARRISON AND TYLER'S ADINIINISTRATION. 

1841— 1845. 

1. Election and Inauguration. — Van Buren being considered 
in some measure responsible for the troubles of the country, lost 
popular confidence, and at the next election (1840) was defeated 
by the Whig candidate, William Henry Harrison. John 
Tyler was elected Vice-President. The inauguration took place 
March 4, 1841. 

2. William Henry Harrison. — He distinguished himself during 
the War of 1812, especially in the battle of the Thames. He was 
also the "Hero of Tippecanoe." He was elected by a very large 
majority, and great hopes were entertained of his administration ; 
but just one month after his inauguration he died. John Tyler, 
the Vice-President, then became (tenth) President (April 4). 

3. John Tyler. — He was at first a great favorite with his party 
— the Whigs — but opposing their measures and making free use 
of the veto power, his former political friends pronounced him 
a renegade. All his cabinet, except Webster, resigned. His 
Administration was not, therefore, successful. 

4. Wilkes's Exploring Expedition. — In 1842 Lieutenant 
Charles Wilkes, of the United States Navy, returned from 
an exploring expedition begun four years before. The expedition 
was accompanied by a large corps of scientific men, and was well 
provided with everything that could assist them in their 
researches. They visited many (before) unknown islands in tlie 
Pacific ; and, near the south pole, discovered a bai'ren and 
uninhabited region, which Wilkes called the "Antarctic Conti- 
nent." The whole distance traveled was 90,000 miles — equal to 
nearly four times the distance around the globe. 

5. The Sewing Machiae Invented. — This boon to women and 
manufacturers of clothing was the invention of an ingenious 
American — Elias Howe (1843). 

6. The Mormons.^ — In 1844 great excitement prevailed, 
especially in Illinois, concerning the Mormons or Latter-Day 
Saints. This sect, practicing polygamy, was founded in 1830 by 



NATIONAL PERIOD. Ill 

Joseph Smith, a native of Vermont — an illiterate man — who 
pretended to have seen visions and to have found certain gold 
plates containing a revelation from God, which he alone could 
decipher. From this supposed "revelation" originated the "Book 
OF Mormon." Smith soon had many followers who established 
themselves in Illinois, building a magnificeni? temple at Nauvoo. 
Many lawless acts having been committed by these "Saints," 
the people of Illinois determined to get rid of them. Joseph 
Smith and his brotlier were arrested and lodged in jail. On the 
17th of July, 1844, a mob broke into the jail and killed them. 
The next year the Mormons left Illinois and emigrated to the 
wilderuess bevond the Rocky Mountains — now the Territorv of 
Utah. 

7. Magnetic Telegraph. — The Magnetic Telegraph was invented 
by Prof. Samuel F. B. Morse, a native of Massachusetts. He 
received a patent for his invention in 1837, and after long delay 
and many disappointments — many ridiculing the idea — he 
obtained an appropriation from Congress of $30,000, for the 
purpose of testing its utility. In 1844 the first telegraph wires 
were erected from Baltimore to Washington City, and on May 
29th (18-14), the first dispatch was sent across the wires, 
conveying intelligence of Polk's nomination as a candidate for the 
Presidency. There are now more than 75,000 miles of telegraph 
in the United States — -enough to e^jjtend three times around the 
globe. 

8. Three More States Admitted. — On the last day of Tyler's 
Administration, Florida, Texas and Iowa applied for admission 
into the Union, but the latter two were not admitted till afterward, 
namely : 

Florida was admitted as the 27th State, March 3, 1845. 
Texas " " " " 28th " Dec'r 27, 1845. 

Iowa " " " " 29th " Dec'r 29, 1846. 

The settlement and history of Florida have been given. (See 
also Map.) 

Texas — the Lone Star State — was settled at San Antonio in 
1692, by the Spaniards. The origin of its name is unknown, but 
it is supposed to be a Mexican word. 

Iowa was settled at Burlington by people from Illinois in 1833. 
The word Iowa signifies the "Drowsy Ones." 



112 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1845—1849. 

1. Election and Inauguration. — The Texan question was 
the main issue of the campaign of 1844 — the Democrats being 
for, and the Whigs against, annexation. James K. Polk was the 
Democratic candidate, and was inaugurated eleventh President 
March 4th, 1845. 

2. James K. Polk. — He was a native of Tennessee, and 
commenced his public career in the Legislature of that State. 
He was also elected to Congress and was Governor of Tennessee 
(1839). His opponent in the Presidential race was Henry Clay, 
the Whig candidate. The principal event of his Administration 
was the War with Mexico. 



THE MEXICAN WAR. 

1846.— 1848. 



1. Causes of the War. — The Mexicans having never acknowl- 
edged the independence of Texas, continued to regard it as a 
revolted province, and threatened to attempt its recovery by force 
of arms. When Texas was annexed to the Union, the Mexican 
Minister at Washington declared the act the most unjust recorded 
in history. They furthermore claimed that the River Nueces was 
its western boundary, while the United States regarded the Rio 
Grande (re-o-gran'-dah) as its true and proper limit. 

These contending claims, coupled with delinquencies on the 
part of Mexico, led to a war which resulted in the conquest of a 
large portion of Mexico. The war began in May, 1846, and 
ended in February, 1848. 

2. Battle of Palo Alto. — General Zachary Taylor, who had 
gained distinction in the Seminole War, was dispatched (1845) 
with a small force of United States troops to the frontier, near the 
Rio Grande. Here he remained till the' spring of 1846. On 
May 8th, he marched to Palo Alto (pah'-lo ahl'-to) where he 
found an army of 6,000 men drawn up directly in his road. A 
battle ensued, lasting five hours, which resulted in the complete 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 113 

route of the Mexicans with a loss of about 400 men ; while the 
American loss was l)ut 9 killed and 44 wounded. 

3. Battle of Resaca de la Palma. — The next day — May 9 — 
the Mexicans were again defeated at the battle of Resaca 
de la Palma (ra-sah'-kah da la pahl'-mah). The gallant Capt. 
May and his bold dragoons marched right up to a Mexican 
battery and took it while still thundering forth death, 

4. Effect of these Victories. — The news of these engagements 
reaching the United States, Congress formally declared war, May 
11 (1846). Volunteers by thousands offered their services, and 
the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. "The traditional splendor of 
the ancient halls of the Montezumas kindled a chivalrous spirit 
that characterized the days of old." 

5. Capture of Monterey. — September 23(1846), the American 
army under Taylor captured the famous city of Monterey (mon- 
tah-ray') near the Sierra Madre (se-er'-rah mah'-dra) Mountains. 
The fighting raged in the streets and within the houses, and was 
of the fiercest character. On the 24th the Mexican commander, 
Ampudia (am-poo'-de-ah, surrendered the city. 

6. California and New Mexico Conquered. - In July, 1846, 
John C. Fremont, styled the "Path-Finder of the Rocky 
Mountains," incited the inhabitants to revolt, and wrested this 
territory from Mexican domain. 

In August (1846) General Stephen Kearney (kar'-ne) with 
an army of volunteers subdued the region since named New 
Mexico. 

7. Battle of Buena Vista. — In the autumn of 1846, General 
Winfield Scott was appointed to supersede General Taylor in 
command of the American forces. His instructions were to carry 
the war directly to the city of Mexico. To carry out his plans, 
he drew from Taylor's command a large proportion of his forces 
and several of his best officers. Taylor, however, was a true' 
patriot and soldier, and did not murmur. On February 23. 
(1847), Taylor — "Rough and Ready," as his soldiers styled him— 
joined battle with the Mexican Army, under Santa Anna, at 
Buena Vista (bwa'-nah vees'-tah). The Mexican force was four 
times as large as that of the Americans. The contest was 
sanguinary and furious. Two thousand Mexicans were left dead 
upon the field, while the American loss was 800 killed and 
wounded. Santa Anna was defeated. 

14 



114 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

8. Capture of San Juan de Ulloa.— On March 9th (1847), 
the strong Mexican fortress of San Juan de Ulloa (ool-yo'-a) at 
Vera Cruz — considered impregnable — was besieged by General 
Scott. On the 27th, after a heavy bombardment from land and 
water, the city and castle capitulated, yielding up 5,000 prisoners, 
600 cannon and 10,000 stand of arms. 

9. Battle of Cerro Gordo.— April 18th (1847) Scott gained 
another signal victory over Santa Anna, at Cerro Gordo. Santa 
Anna was forced to seek personal safety on the back of a mule. 
3,000 prisoners were taken, and the Mexican army in 
that quarter was utterly routed. The Americans lost but 63 
killed. 

10. Two Victories in One Day.— Aug 20th (1847), a 
division of Scott's army, under General P. F. Smith, captured 
Contreras (kon-tra'-ras) a strongly fortified liill where 8,000 
Mexicans were intrenched. 

On the same day the battle of Churubuseo (choo-roo-boos'-ko) 
was fought. Here Scott gained another brilli;uit victory over 
Santa Anna, who had again taken the field, with 27,000 
Mexicans. 

11. Capture of the City of Mexico. — After the signal victories 
just mentioned, General Scott proposed an armistice, which was 
accepted by Santa Anna, but who violated the terms Uy strength- 
ening his fortifications. Learning tiiis, Scott at once resumed 
hostilities. On September 8th, 1847, the field works surrounding 
Molino del Rey (mo-lee'-no dal-ray') were captured with great 
slaughter to the Mexicans. 

On the 13th the strong castle of Chapultepec (cha-pool'-ta- 
pek') was taken, and Santa Anna with, his army fled from the 
city. On the next day — the 14th — the American Army triumph- 
•antly entered the city, and unfurled the ''Stars and Stripes" al)ove 
the halls of the Montezumas. The Mexican war was ended. 

12. Results of the War.— February 2, 1848, the treaty of 
peace was concluded, and on July 4th it was proclaimed to the 
world. In this treaty, the Mexicans agreed to consider the Rio 
Grande as the western boundary of the disputed territory, and to 
cede to the United States the provinces of New Mexico and 
California, which embraced also the present State of Nevada 
(na-vah-dah') and the Territories of Utah and Arizona, for the 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 115 

sum of 615,000,000. (See Map showing the several Mexican 
Cessions). 

13. The Smithsonian Institution. — In April, 1846, Congress 
passed an act organizing the Smithsonian Institute at Wash- 
ington Oity. James Smithson, an eminent English chemist and 
philanthropist, had bequeathed to the United States $515,000 for 
the establishment :it \VashingtoD of an institution for the increase 
and diffusion of knowledge among men. In the act of establishing 
the institution, it was provided that the same should be under imme- 
diate control of a Board of Regents, composed of the President, 
the Vice-President, Judges of the Supreme Court, and other 
principal officers of the Government; that buildings should be 
provided suitable to contain a museum of natural history, a 
cabinet of minerals, a chemical laboratory, a gallery of art and a 
library. Professor Joseph Henry of Princeton College was 
chosen Secretary of the Institution, and the plan of organization 
was successfully carried out. "The result has been the estab- 
lishment in the United States of one of the most beneficent 
institutions known in the history of mankind." 

14. Northern Boundary of the United States Settled. — Dur- 
ing the first part of Polk's Administration, the northern 
boundary of the United States was a disputed question, which 
almost brought about hostilities with England. In June, 1846, a 
treaty was made with Great Britain by which the northern 
boundary was fixed at the 49th degree of latitude and the 
Strait of San Juan de Fuca (sahn whan da foo-'kah), instead of 
54° 40' as demanded by the Democratic Party.* 

15. Discovery of Gold in California. — In February, 1848, gold 
was discovered in California, on the farm of Capt. Sutter. 
Similar discoveries were soon made in other places in the neigh- 
borhood. The excitement was great ; people abandoned their 
regular business, forsook their farms, and shut up their houses 
to seek the precious metal. Men from all parts of the Union, 
and indeed, the world, flocked to this land of gold. The city of 
San Francisco sprang up as if by the hand of magic, and the 
Territory increased rapidly in population. 



*in 1842 similar trouble existed regarding the northeastern boundary, 
particularly those parts of Maine and New Brunswick which bordered 
on the disputed line. It was finally settled by treaty, August 20, 1842. 



116 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

16. Another New State. — During the last half of Polk's term, 
Wisconsin was admitted as the 30th State, May 2!), 1848. 

It was settled in 1745 at Green Bay by the French. This was 
the tifth and last kState admitted from the Northwest Territory. 
(kSee Map). It derived its name from its principal river, and 
signifies "The Gathering of the Waters " 



RECAPITULATION 

OF THE 

BATTLES AND CAPTURES DURING THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The various battles and captures of the. Mexican War,* t ihu- 
lated in chronological order, were : 

1. Battle of Palo Alto, May 8, 1846 ; Am's victori(jus. 
Gen. Taylor commanded Am's; Gen. Arista, the Mexicans. 

2. Battle of Resaca del la Pabna, May 9, 1846: Am's 

victorious. Taylor com. Am's ; La Vega, the Mexicans. 

3. Capture of California, July, 1846; by John C. Fremont. 

4. Capture of New Mexico, Aug., 1846, by Stephen Kearney. 

5. Capture of Monterey, Sept. 24, 1846 ; by the Am's. 
Taylor commanded Am's ; Ampudia, the Mexicans. 

6. Battle of Buena Vista, Feb'y 23, 1847; Am's victorious. 
Taylor commanded Am's ; Santa Anna, the Mexicans. 

7. Capture of San Juan UUoa, March 27, 1847, by Am's under 
Gen. Scott. 

8. Battle of Cerro Gordo, Apr. 18, 1847; Am's victorious. 
Scott commanded Am's ; Santa x\nna, the Mexicans. 



*The Americans gained every battle. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 117 

9. Battle of Contreras, Aug. 20, 1847; Am's victorious. 
Gen. P. F. Smith com. Am's ; Gen. Valencia, the Mexicans. 

10. Battle of Churubusco, Aug. 20, 1847; Am's vtctorious. 
Gen. Scott com. Am's ; Santa Anna, the Mexicans. 

11. Battle of Molino del Rey, Sept. 8, 1847 ; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Worth com. Am's ; Santa Anna, the Mexicans. 

12. Battle of Chapultepec, Sept. 13, 1847; Am's victorious. 
Gen. Pillow com. Am's; Santa Anna, the Mexicans. 

13. Capture of City of Mexico, Sept. 14th, 1847; American 
Army under Scott triumphantly enter the city. 



RECAPITULATION. 

CHRONOLOGY OP EVENTS RECORDED IN SECTION H. 

(national period.) 

1816, American Colonization Society founded, December. 

1817, Tames Monroe inaugurated fifth President, March 4. 
1817. The Erie Canal begun. 

1817, Mississippi admitted as the 20th State, Dec. 10. 

1818, The Seminoles defeated by Gen. Jackson, March. 

1818, Illinois admitted as the 21st State, Dec. 3. 

1819, Florida ceded to the United States by Spain, Feb'y 22. 

1819, Alabama admitted as the 22nd State, Dec'r 14. 

1820, Maine admitted as the 23d State, March 15. 

1821, Missouri Compromise passed March 3. 

1821, Missouri admitted as the 24th State, Aug. 10. 
1821, Mexico declares independence of Spain. 

1824, La Fayette visits the United States. 

1825, The Erie Canal finished. 

1 825, John Quincy Adams inaugurated sixth President, Mar. 4. 



lis HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

1826, Jolm Adams and Thomas Jefferson, Ex-Piesidents, died, 
July 4. 

1826, William Morgan, Free-Mason, mysteriously disposed of. 

1827, The First Steam Railway constructed. 

1828, High Protective Tariff act passed by Congress. 

1829, Andrew Jackson inaugurated seventh President, Mar. 4. 
1830; The Sect of Mormons founded by Joseph Smith. 

1831, James Monroe, Ex-President, died, July 4. 

1832, Charles Carroll of Carrollton died. 
1832, Philip Preneau, Revolutionary Poet, died. 
1832, Asiatic Cholera first visits the United States. 
1832, A New Tariff act passed by Congress. 

1832, Black Hawk's War quashed by Gen. Scott, Aug. 2. 

1833, Clay's Compromise — preventing civil war — passed Mar. 3. 
1833, John Randolph of Roanoke died. May 24. . 

1833, Jackson re-elected President. 

1833, The President removes public funds from the Bank of 

the United States. 

1834, The Indian Territory set apart for the Cherokeesand 

other Indians. 

1834, The Texans declare independence of Mexico. 

1835, Texan War begins — Mexicans defeated at Gonzales. 
1835, Texans capture the Alamo. 

1835, John Marshall died. 

1835, Second Seminole War begins. 

1835, Great Fire in New York City, Dec'r 16. 

1836, The Alamo re-captured by the Mexicans, March 6. 
1836, Santa Anna defeated by Gen. Houston at San Jacinto, 

April 21. 

1836, Arkansas admitted as the 25th State, June 15. 

1836, James Madison, Ex-President, died. 

1837, Michigan admitted as the 26th State. Jan'y 26. 
1837, Van Buren inaugurated eighth President, Mar. 4. 
1 837, The Cherokees remove to Indian Territory. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 119 

Great Financial Panic in the United States. 

Prof. Morse receives a patent for his Magnetic Telegraph. 

Harrison inaugurated ninth President, March 4. 

Harrison died, A.pril 4. 

John Tyler becomes tenth President, April 4. 

The Second Seminole War ends. 

The Northeastern Boundary of the U. S. settled. 

Wilkes's Exploring Party return. 

Elias Howe invents the Sewing-Machine. 

The Magnetic Telegraph first operated, May 29. 

The Mormons driven from Illinois ; Smith killed, 
July 17. 

Florida admitted as the 27th State March 3. 

James K. Polk inaugurated eleventh President, Mar. 4. 

Texas admitted as the 28th State Dec'r 27. 

The Smithsonian Institution established at Washington 
City. 

Mexican War inaugurated by battle of Palo Alto, 
May 8. 

The Mexicans defeated at Resaca de la Palma, May 9. 

Formal Declaration of War with Mexico, May 11. 

Northern Boundary of U. S. fixed at 49th degree, 
June. 

California conquered by John C. Fremont, July. 

New Mexico conquered by Stephen Kearney, August. 

Monterey captured by Gen. Taylor, Sept. 24. 

Iowa admitted as the 29th State, Dec'r 29. 

Santa Anna defeated by Taylor at Buena Vista, Feb. 23. 

San Juan de UUoa captured by Scott, March 27. 

Mexicans defeated at Cerro Gordo, April 18. 

Fortifications of Contreras captured, Aug. 20. 

Santa Anna defeated at Churubusco by Scott, Aug. 20. 

Moleno del Rey captured by Americans, Sept. 8. 

Castle of Chapultepec taken Sept. 13. 



120 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1847, City of Mexico taken and entered by American Army, 

Sept. 14. 

1848, Treaty of Peace made between the U. S. and Mexico, 

Feb'y 2. 
1848, Discovery of Gold in California, Feb'y. 
1848, Jolm Quincy Adams, Ex-President, died Feb'y 23. 
1848, Wisconsin admitted as the 30th State, May 29. 
1848, President Polk proclaims peace with Mexico, July 4. 




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124 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



SECTION III. 

FROM THE CLOSE OF THE 

MEXICAN WAK TO THE GKEAT CIVIL WAR. 

1848—1861. 

TAYLOR AND FILLMORE'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1849—1853. 

1. Election and Inauguration. — The candidates for the Presi- 
dency in the fall campaign of 1848 were Martin Van Buren, 
Free-Soiler — a party advocating the prohibition of slavery in all 
territory acquired by treaty, (principles embodied in the 
Wilmot Proviso); General Lewis Cass, Democrat ; and 
General Zachary Taylor, Whig. General Taylor, whose 
brilliant services in the Mexican War had won him fame and the 
nation's gratitude, was elected. On March 5, 1849, he was 
inaugurated twelfth President, with Millard Fillmoie as Vice- 
President. 

2. Zachary Taylor. — He passed his youth amid the dangers 
and privations of frontier life in Kentucky. He was brought up 
a farmer, but gave up this vocation for a military life, having 
received, in 1808, a commission in the army from President 
Jefferson. He was engaged in the War of 1812. and his 
subsequent services in the Seminole War and the Mexican War 
have been already noticed. During his Administration, the 
Department of Secretary of the Interior was created. 

3. Death of President Taylor. — Like Harrison, Taylor died 
while Chief Magistrate of the nation. His death occurred July 
9, 1850 — one year and about four months after his inauguration. 
His death at this time was regarded as a national affliction. The 
whole country mourned his demise. Public business was 
suspended, and eulogies were pronounced by leading statesmen of 
all parties. Millard Fillmore, the Vice-Pres;ident, then 
became President, making the thirteenth. 

4. Millard Fillmore. — He commenced the study of law at the 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 125 

age of 19, and rose rapidly to distinction. He served in Congress 
and stood high in the confidence of the Whigs. 

5. Admission of California. — The application of California 
for admission as a free State, caused intense excitement 
throughout the country. As a part of this territory was south of 
the dividing line established by the Missouri Compromise, the 
southern Senators declared that the prohibition of slavery there 
was in violation of that act. A dissolution of the Union seemed 
imminent. At this critical period, Henry Clay, ever the friend 
of the Union, prevented secession by his famous Omnibus Bill, 
passed September 9, 1850, by which the slavery question was 
settled, for the time. California was therefore admitted as a free 
State, September 9, 1850, making the 31st of the Union. This 
State was settled at San Diego (de-a'-go), by the Spaniards in 
1776. It derived its name from a character in an old Spanish 
romance. 

6. The Omnibus BUI. — The provisions of this bill were : 
(1). California was admitted a free State ; 

(2). The boundary line between Texas [and New Mexico was 
fixed four degrees east of Santa Fe (fay) ; 

(3). Utah and New Mexico were erected into territorial gov- 
ernments, fi'ee to introduce slavery or to prohibit it, as the 
people should decide ; 

(4). The barter of slaves was abolished in the District of 
Columbia ; 

(5). And the fugitive slave law was passed, providing for the 
capture and delivery to their masters of runaway negroes 
who had escaped from the South to the North. The Anti- 
Slavery Party, or Abolitionists were violently opposed to 
the fugitive slave law, and frequently violated its provisions. 

7. Death of John C. Calhoun.— During the agitation of the 
slavery question just mentioned, one of its greatest advocates 
died — John C. Calhoun. His death occurred at Washington, 
March 31, 1850. He was the great champion of southern 
interests, and in his death the Senate lost one of its most powerftil 
orators. 

8. Cuban "Pillibusters."*— During the first part of Taylor's 



*A name given to mere lawless adventurers, either on sea or land, 
banded together for predatory excursions. 



126 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Administration, some adventurous persons in the United States 
attempted to assist the Cubans to gain their independence of 
Spain. Of all of Spain's former vast possessions in America, the 
islands of Cuba and Porto Rico (ree'-co) alone remain. The 
inhabitants of Cuba have long been endeavoring to gain liberty. 
Though President Taylor had issued a proclamation warning all 
persons against interfering with the affairs of this island, yet in 
1851, Lopez with a company of 480 men, eluding the vigilance 
of the U. S. authorities, invaded Cuba. The Spaniards were 
apprised of his arrival and proceeded against him with a large 
force. Lopez and his companies were captured, and, with a 
number of them, he was executed at Havana. 

9. Decease of Two Great Men.— On June 28, 1852, Henry 
Clay died at Washington. He was one of America's greatest 
orators and purest patriots. As a statesman, he had no superior 
and few equals. 

Daniel Webster died at his home — Marshfield, Mass. — on the 
24th of October, 1852, His powers of oratory were unsurpassed, 
and his giant intellect was highly cultivated. 

The demise of these two great patriots was lamented in every 
section of the country. 



PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1853—1857. 

1. Election and Inanguration. — Franklin Pierce, elected by 
the Democrats over Winfield Scott, Whig, was inaugurated 
fourteenth President March 4, 1853, with William R. King as 
Vice-President. 

2. Franklin Pierce. — He was a lawyer, had been in Congress 
both as Representative and as Senator, and had served in the 
Mexican War. 

3. The Gadsden Purchase. — During Pierce's Administration, 
trouble arose with Mexico in regard to the boundary line between 
the two countries. This was owing to the inacuracies of the 
maps. The dffiiculty was, however, settled by the United States 
paying Mexico $10,000,000. This transaction is known as the 
"Gadsden Purchase," by which the United States acquired 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 127 

27,000 square miles of territory south of the Gila (he'-lah) river. 
(See Map). 

4. The Crystal Palace.— July 14th, 1853, the Crystal 
Palace, or World's Fair at New York was opened by President 
Pierce. It was made exclusively of iron and glass and contained 
the choicest products of foreign and domestic labor. It was 
visited by many thousands from all parts of the Union, and had 
a good effect in stimulating industrial pursuits. This glassy 
palace was afterward burned — probably by an incendiary. 

5. Treaty With Japan. — In March, 1854, an important treaty 
was made with Japan, by which that nation agreed to open two 
of her ports of entry to the United States. 

6. The Kansas-Nebraska Bill. — In 1853 Stephen A. Douglas 
introduced the famous Kansas-Nebraska Bill, organizing the 
Territories of Kansas and Nebraska, and giving the inhabitants of 
each Territory the right to decide for themselves, whether the 
State should be admitted free or slave. This doctrine was called 
"squatter sovereignty." As it was a rupudiation of the Missouri 
Compromise, it caused violent and intense feeling. It became a 
law in 1854. It brought about a "border warfare" between the 
pro-slavery and the anti-slavery men. Civil war ensued in Kansas. 
Men advocating the admission of the State with slavery, and 
others equally determined that there should be no slavery, crossed 
over from Missouri to enforce their respective views. For several 
years Kansas was distracted by internal strife ; many persons 
were murdered in cold blood, and other lawless acts of violence 
were committed by both of these belligerent parties. 



BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1857—1861. 

1. Election and Inauguration. — In 1853 the Know-Nothings, 
or x\mericans, entertaining the principle that America should 
be ruled by Americans and opposing the influence of foreigners, 
came into existence. The party was, however, short-lived. The 
Free-Soil Democrats organized a new party styled "Republi- 
cans."* The Democrats were in favor of letting slavery extend 

*The old Kepublicans were those opposed to the Federalists. 



128 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

wherever it found its way by the voice of the people. In the 
election of 1856 the Know- Nothings supported Ex-President Fill- 
more; the Republicans, John C. Freemont ; and the 
Democrats, James Buchanan. Buchanan was elected with 
John C. Breckinridge, as Vice-President. The inauguration 
took place March 4, 1857. 

2. Trouble with the Mormons. — The Mormons of Utah had 
for several year.-; defie I the authority of the United States, 
acknowledging no Governor but Brigham Young. They had 
also been otherwise defiant, and the Government was compelled 
to send tro;)ps to humble them (1857). At first the Mormons 
prepared to resist but afterwards wisely accepted oflfers of pardon. 
There has been no trouble with them since. 

3. The "Dred Scott" Decision.— "The Supreme Court of the 
United in 1857, through Chief-Justice Taney, declared that 
slave-owners might take their slaves into any State in the Union 
without forfeiting authority over them." 

"Scott and his wife were slaves belonging to a surgeon in the 
United States Army. They were taken into and resided in 
Illinois and at Fort Snelling, in territory where, by the ordinance 
of 1787, slavery was forever prohibited. Afterward, they were 
carried into Missouri, where they and their children were held as 
slaves. They claimed freedom on the ground that by the act of 
their master, they had been taken into free territory." The 
decision of the Court against them created an intense excitement 
throughout the North. 

4. John Brown's Raid. — October 16, 1859, John Brown, 
with a company of 21 men, believing that he would be justified 
in taking the law into his own hands, seized upon the United 
States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and proclaimed 
freedom to all the slaves in that vicinity. United States troops 
arrested him and his band after some resistance ; and he, with 
six of his associates, was tried, convicted of treason and hanged. 
This act of Brown was regarded by the South as indicative of 
northern sentiment, and the most intense animosity was aroused. 
This was the forerunner of the Great Civil War. 

5. Three Free States Admitted. — During Buchanan's Admin- 
istration — 

Minnesota was admitted as the 32d State, May 11, 1858. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 129 

Oregon was admitted as the 33d State, Feb. 14, 1859. 
Kansas " " " " 34th " Jan. 29, 1861. 

6. Settlement of these States.— Minnesota was settled at Fort 
Snelling in 1819. It derived its name from tlie Minnesota river 
— an Indian word signifying "Cloudy Water." St. Paul was 
founded in 1846 by emigrants from the Eastern States. 

Or^on was settletl at Fort Astoria in 1811 by the American 
Fur Company, of which John Jacob Astor was a prominent 
member. It derived its name from a Spanish word — oregano — 
the name of a plant abundant on the coast. 

The exact date of the settlement of Kansas is unknown. It 
derived its name from an Indian word meaning "Smoky Water." 



LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1861—1865. 

1. Election of 1860. — Four candidates were nominated for the 
Presidency in 1860. The Republicans, or Abolitionists 
supported Abraham Lincoln ; one wing of the Democracy 
voted for Stephen A. Douglas — the other for John C. 
Breckinridge; the "Constitutional Unionists," a new party 
whose motto was the "Union, the Constitution and the Enforce- 
ment of the Laws," nominated John Bell of Tennessee. 
Abraham Lincoln was elected, with Hannibal Hamlin as Vice- 
President. 

2. Abraham Lincoln. — He was a lawyer and rapidly attained 
distinction in his profession. He was several times elected to the 
Legislature of Illinois, and was also elected to Congress, becoming 
one of the leaders of the Republican party in that body. He had 
great patience, firmness, honesty and magnanimity. 

3. Effect of Lincoln's Election. — The election of Lincoln 
fanned to a blaze the slumbering sparks of civil war. The 
Southern statesmen claimed that he had been elected by a party 
opposed to the interests of the South, and especially pledged to 
the overthrow of slavery. A State Convention was held at 
Charleston, South Carolina, on December 20th, 1860, which 
declared that "iAe union before existing between South Carolina and 
other States, under the name of the United States of America was 

16 



130 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

dissolved." By the l.st of February, 1861, six other States — 
Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas — 
passed ordinances of secession. The separated States formed a 
union under the title of the Confederate States of America. 
Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was chosen President, and 
Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia, Vice-President. 

4. Jefferson Davis. — He was born in Kentucky in 180«. He 
attended the Military Academy at West Point, where he received 
a military education. He performed gallant services in the 
Mexican War, also in the Seminole War; and was afterward 
United States Senator from Mississippi. He was Secretary of 
War during Pierce's Administration. 



SECTION IV. 

THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 

1861-1865. 



1. Remote Causes. — The question of slavery — as the intel- 
ligent student will observe — was sigitated from the time the 
Federal Constitution was adopted till the war freed the slaves.* 
It was the j^rime cause of the great conflict. 

The sectional diflerence between the North and the South had 
its source in the different construction put upon the Constitution 
by the people of the two sections, and in the difference of climate, 
which greatly modified the character and habits of the people ; 
also, while the agricultural pursuits and staple products of the 
South made slave labor profitable, the mechanical pursuits and 
the more varied products of the North made it unprofitable. 
These antagonisms — settled first by the Missouri Compromise of 
1820 ; re-opened by the tariff of 1828 ; calmed by Clay's com- 
promise tariff; intensified by tlie annexation of Texas, and the 
consequent war with Mexico ; irritated by the Wilmot Proviso ; 
lulled for a time by the Omnibus Compromise (1850j; awakened 
anew by the "squatter sovereignty" policy of 1853 ; made 
furious by the agitation in Kansas ; run riot by the Dred Scott 
decision ; the attempted execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, 
and the John Brown raid — had now reached a climax where the 
only remedy was War. » 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 131 

2. Mistaken Ideas of Both Sections.— "Both the North and 
the South misunderstood each other. The people of the South 
believed that the Northern people were so engaged in pecuniary 
greed and so weakened by habits of luxury, that they could send 
to the field mercenary soldiers only, whom the patriotic South- 
erners could easily beat." Cotton being the great staple of the 
South, they thought that England and France were, so dependent 
upon them for that article, that their government would be 
recognized and defended by those trans-atlantic powers. On the 
other hand, the people of the North did not believe that the 
l^eople of the South would dare to fight to uphold slavery, since 
it had 4,000,000 slaves exposed to the chances of war. They 
thought the action of the Southerners was all bluster, and hence 
paid little heed to the threat of dissolving the Union. Both 
.sadly learned their mistake only too late. 

3. Preparations for War. — The North believing that there 
would not be any war of much consequence and fearing to 
precipitate matters, remained inactive ; while, on the contrary, 
the South made vigorous preparations to carry out their expressed 
determination. United States forts, arsenals, mints, custom- 
houses and ships, located in the Southern States, were seized. 
Companies and regiments were organized in all the towns and 
cities and were drilled in the arts of war. General P. G. T. 
Beauregakd (bore-gard'), an able tactician, was appointed 
commander-in-chief of the Confederate Army. 

4. The Star of the West— On January 9th (1861), the 
steamer Star of the West, carrying troops and supplies to Fort 
Sumter, a United States fort in Charleston Harbor, in command 
of Major Anderson, was fired upon and driven back. 

5. The Situation. — The decided action of the South stunned 
and paralyzed the North. Meanwhile, all were energy and activity 
in the seceded States. Officers in the United States Army and 
nav}' were daily resigning and joining the Confederacy. There 
were, however, many Union sympathizers in the South, and they 
were greatly abhorred by their Southern neighbors. 

Lincoln fearing assassination went to the Capital in disguise. 
He was inaugurated March 4 (1861), surrounded by troops. 

The day after Lincoln's inauguration, commissioners arrived 
from the Confederate Congress to open negotiations and 
to settle questions arising from secession. The Government 



132 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

refused to recognize the right of secession ; and tliioughout the 
whole conflict, regarded the revolted States as part of the Utiion, 
though in arms and unrepresented in Congress. 



EVENTS OF 1861. 



1. The Beginning.— Capture of Fort Sumter.— Fort Sumter 
in Charleston Harbor, garrisoned by 79 United States troops, in 
command of Major Robert Anderson, was the only govern- 
ment property in the seceded States not seized by the Confederates. 
April 11th (1861), Gen. Beauregard summoned the fort to 
surrender. This not being complied with, fire was opened upon 
it next day (April 12th). After a heavy bombardment of a day 
and a half, Maj. Anderson was obliged to evacuate on the 14th — 
the fort having been set on fire by hot shot. The garrison were 
allowed the honors of war. No lives were lost on either side. 

2. Effects of Sumter's Fall. — The news of the capture of Fort 
Sumter electrified the whole country. The South became a unit 
and the North, awakened to the realities of the situation, prepared 
vigorously for war. On April 15tli, President Lincoln issued a 
requisition for 75,000 troops. 300,000 volunteers answered the 
call. The war spirit pervaded ever part of the country. 

3. First Blood of the War. — The first blood of the war was 
spilled in the streets of Baltimore, April 19th — the anniversary of 
Lexington and Concord — when a regiment of Massachusetts 
militia, on their way to the defense of the threatened capital, was 
fired upon and several men were killed. 

4. Four Other States Secede. — Upon the fall of Sumter, four 
more States passed ordinances of secession, namely : Viiginia, 
April 17 ; Arkansas, May 8 ; North Carolina, May 20 ; and 
Tennessee, June 8 ; thus making eleven States in the Confederacy 
out of fifteen slave States. Strong eflforts were made to induce 
Missouri to leave the Union, but without success. Kentucky 
maintained an armed neutrality. Delaware and Maryland 
evinced no disposition to link their fortunes with the Southern 
cause. 

5. The Rival Flags. — The Confederate flag — the "Stars and 
Bars" — was conspicuously displayed everywhere in the South ; the 
"Stars and Stripes," everywhere in the North. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 133 

6. Harper's Ferry Seized. — The Confederates seized the U. S. 
Armory ;it Harper's Ferry and the Navy Yard at Norfolk. 
Richmond, Va., became the Capital of the new republic. 
Neither the North nor the South thought the war would last 
more than 90 days ; but how much were they deceived ! 

7. The Seceded States.— The eleven States that formed the 
Southern Confederacy, were : 

South Carolina seceded December 20th, 1860. 



Mississippi 




January 


9th, 


1861 


Alabama 




(( 


11th, 




Florida 




n' 


11th, 




Georgia 




<( 


19th, 




Louisiana 




(< 


26th, 




Texas 




February 


1st, 




Virginia 




April 


17th, 




Arkansas 




May 


6th, 




North Carolina 




<< 


20th, 




Tennessee 




June 


8th, 





8. Operations in Virginia. — In May the Union forces occupied 
the vicinity of Washington and the city of Alexandria. Fortress 
Monroe in Southeastern Virginia had been garrisoned by 15,000 
Union men under Gen. B. F. Butler. On the 10th of June 
Butler was repulsed at the battle of Big Bethel, Va. , with heavy 
loss. 

9. West Virginia. — Soon after the secession of Virginia, the 
people of the north-western part of the State, who were Unionists, 
desiied a separaition from the other section. The General 
Government favored the movement, and the Southerners attempted 
to prevent it. It was, however, on the 31st of December 1862 
erected into a distinct State under the ^ame of West Virginia, 
and on June 30th, 1863, it was admitted as the 35th State. 

10. Battle of Bull Run. — Bull Run at Manassas Junction, on 
the railroad between Richmond and Washington, about 30 miles 
from the latter city, was the scene of the first great 
battle of the Civil War. 20,000 Confederate troops in 
command of Beauregard had collected near this point to defend 
Richmond their capital. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston with 8,000 



134 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. ' 

men was at Winchester, 50 miles distant. The commander of the 
Union forces in and about Washington was Gen. Ikwin 
McDowell who had ^ome 40,000 volunteers. On Sunday, July 
21st (1861), the Federal forces under the general leadership of 
WiNFiELD Scott opened the attack, sanguine of victory. 
Thousands of spectators from Washington and vicinity were 
within sight, in carriages and other vehicles to witness — as they 
believed — a Union victory. At first the Confedei-ates lost gi-ound, 
but soon, a famous general — Thomas J. Jackson — who had 
been stationed in reserve, came to their support ; and, taking a 
resolute stand — like a stoneivall — the advance of the Federal 
troops was checked. The determined stand thus taken gave to 
Jackson the name of "Stonewall." The battle was now hotly 
contested on both sides. The Confederates were being worsted 
when they were re-inforced by Johnston's troops from Winchester, 
led by Gen. Kerby Smith. The tide of battle was now turned. 
The Federal s(jldiers were thrown into confusion, and, panic- 
stricken, scattered in hasty retreat back to Washington, utterly 
routed. The total loss of the Confederates, in killed, wounded 
and missing, was about 2,000 ; that of the Federals was 3,000 
and a large number of cannon and muskets. 

11. Effect of the Battle of Bull Run.— This disastrous defeat 

of the Federal Army depressed the North and encouraged the 
South. It also convinced both sections that the war would 
be long and bloody. The North saw that her soldiers must he 
trained — that brave volunteers, without military discipline, would 
not suffice to fight Americans such as the Southerners were. 
General George B. McClellan. an able military organizer, was 
placed in command of the Army of the Potomac ; and, under 
his discipline, the Union volunteers were drilled to do more 
eflfective service. This Army numbered 150,000 men Congress 
voted S500,000 and 500,000 men to prosecute the war. 

12. Battle of Ball's Bluff.— On October 21st a detachment of 
6,000 Union soldiers was defeated at the battle of Ball's Blufi^, 
Va., by a Confederate force of 1,700 men under General Evans. 
Colonel Baker, United States Senator from Oregon, was among 
the killed. 

13. The Blockade. — President Lincoln had declared the ports 
south of Maryland to be in a state of blockade. Vessels were 
stationed at all the points of entry, and kept such a vigilant 



NATIONAL PERIOD, 135 

watch that the Soutli was nearly cut off from intercourse with 
the re^^t of the world. The Union Navy rapidly increased in 
number and strength. Powerful gun-boats were constructed, 
which were the dread of the South. 

The Confederates had no regular oavy, but their daring 
privateers did them good service. 

The naval operations of the Federals during the first year of the 
war were the capture of Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, and the 
forts at Port Koyal Harbor, South Carolina 

14. Battle of Wilson's Creek, Mo.^The Confederates strove hard 
to force Missouri out of the Union, and the Federals endeavored, 
with success, to keep her in. The result of this contention was 
the State suffered from incursions of both armies. August 10th 
5,000 Federals under General Lyon attacked a Confederate 
force under Generals McCulloch and Price, at Wilson's Creek, 
near Springfield, Mo. The Federals were defeated and General 
Lyon was killed. 

The Confederate Array was, in time, forced to abandon the 
State. 

15. Confederate Commissioners Captured. — The Confederate 
Government sent two Commissioners — J. Slidell and J. M. 
Mason — ^to England and France to solicit recognition and aid. 
On their passage thither, in November (1861), they were 
intercepted by Capt. Charles Wilkes, who took them from the 
English Steamer Trent. The British authorities resented the 
action and threatened to declare war against the Federals. The 
Federal Government disavowed the course of Wilkes, and the 
Commissioners were permitted to proceed to their destination. 
The South fully expected that England and France would 
recognize their independence, but those powers never saw fit to 
do so, though their sympathies were with the Southern cause. 

16. Affairs at the Close of 1861.— The condition of the 
Federals at the close of the first year of the war was more 
promising than at the opening. The Confederates had generally 
been successful in the various encounters that took place. The 
minor battles, or, rather, skirmishes of the year in which the 
Union forces were successful, were: the battles of Philippi, Va., 
June 3 ; Booneville, Mo., June 17; Rich Mountain, Va., July 
11; Carrick's Ford, Va., July 14; Carnifex Ferrv, Va., Sept. 
10; Dranesville, Va., Dec'r 20. 



136 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Business had revived and systematic preparations for the contest 
were made. The Federal Army had been increased to 660,000 
men, trained for effective service. Ample provision for carrying 
on the war had been voted by Congress, and affairs were managed 
with, forethougljt and tact. 

On the other hand, the Confederates, though hampered by the 
blockade, heroically endured many privations for their cause, 
and cherished a resolute determination to gain their independence. 
They e>thibited wonderful firmness, fortitude and availability, 
in consideration of their limited resources, and the overwhelming 
odds against them, 

EVENTS OF 1862. 

1. Campaign of 1862. — The year's campaign, on the part of 
the North, had three main objects : 

(1) The opening of the Mississippi ; (2) the more thorough 
blockade of the southern ports, and (3) the capture of Richmond. 
The Memphis and Chattanooga railroad, with a branch to 
Richmond and one to Charleston, was the only direct line the 
Confederates had from the Mississippi eastward. To retain 
possession of this road, by which they obtained nearly all their 
supplies and men from beyond the Mississippi and above 
Vicksbui'g, they constructed a chain of forts from Columbus on 
the Mississippi, to Bowling Green, Kentucky, and also north of 
the road. The charge of these forts was under General Albert 
Sidney Johnston with 60,000 men. Fort Henry on the 
Tennessee, and Fort Donelson on the Cumberland, were tiie 
most important points of defense. 

2. Battle of Mill Spring, Ky. — The first important movements 
of the year were in Kentucky. Early in January, Col. 
Garfield drove out a Confederate force, under Col. Humphrey 
Marshall, from the eastern part of the State ; and on the 19th 
the Federals, under General George H. Thomas gained a 
victory at Mill Spring, over Generals Crittenden and Zolij- 
COFFER, the latter being killed in the action. 

3. Capture of Forts Henry and Donelson.— A fleet of gun- 
boats under Commodore A. H. Foote, and an array of 17,000 
men under General Ulysses S. Grant reduced Fort Henry, 
February 6th. On the 14th, Grant, with 15,000 men, in 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 137 

conjunction with Foote's gun-boats, attacked Fort Donelson, but 
was repulsed with heavy loss. On the 15th, 10,000 Confederates 
sallied out of the fort and attempted to force their way through 
the Union lines, intending to escape to Nashville. They were 
driven back after hard fighting. Grant's army had, in the 
meantime, been re-inforced, till he now had 27,000 soldiers ; and 
on the 16th he was about to renew the assault, when General S. 
B. BucKNER, the commander of Fort Donelson, surrendered with 
15,000 men. The whole Federal loss, in killed and wounded, 
was 2,000 men, over 400 of whom were killed ; the Confederate 
loss was about half that number, 

4. Effect of these Captures. — The whole line of Confederate 
defenses was now abandoned ; Nashville and Columbus fell into 
Federal hands ; and the Mississippi was free as far as Island Na 
10, which was also taken soon after. 

5. Battle of Shiloh.. — Shiloh meeting-house was situated two 
miles from the Tennessee river, near Pittsburg Landing, in 
southern Tennessee. Here on the 6th and 7th of April (1862) 
was fought the bloodiest battle that had yet taken place. 
30,000 Confederates, under General A. S. Johnston and General 
Beauregard attacked the encampment of General Grant, taking it 
completely by surprise. The Confederates drove them down the 
river, and the Union Army was about to be wrecked, when 
reinforcements arrived, swelling the army to 50,000. The 
Confederates, but 30,000 strong, were compelled to retreat, but 
in good order. The dashing Johnston was mortally wounded in 
this battle. The Confederates lost 11,000 men ; the Federals, 
15,000. 

6. Effect of this Battle. — This sanguinary contest, sometimes 
called the battle of Pittsburg Landing, was of great advantage 
to the North. The Confederates yielded up Corinth, Fort Pillow 
and Memphis. The Memphis road also was lost to them. 

7. Battle of Pea Ridge. — In the beginning of the year. General 
Curtis entered Arkansas from Missouri, and took position at 
Pea Ridge, among the mountains. Here, on March 6th, he was 
attacked by an army of 20,000 Confederates and Indians, under 
McCuLLOCH, McIntosh and Pike. After a hard-fought battle, 
lasting two days, the Federals were victorious. McCulloch and 
Mcintosh were both killed and their men obliged to retreat 

17 



138 • HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

toward Texas ; but the Union losses were most severe, and the 
battle was barren of results. 

8. Fall of New Orleans.— On April 24, Commodore D G. 
Farraqut forced his way up the Mississippi from the Gulf, 
passed the Confederate obstructiotis, and captured New Orleans, 
April 28th. It was at this time poorly prepared for defense, as 
the Confederates had withdrawn most of their available force to 
Corinth and Western Tennessee. Great numbers of steamers and 
ships, and vast quantities of cotton wei-e burned by order of the 
Governor of Louisiana, to prevent them from fialling into the 
hands of Farragut's army. The loss of New Orleans was a 
terrible blow to the Confederacy. 

9. The Merrimac and the Monitor.— On March 8th (1862), an 
oddly shaped craft, in appearance like the roof of an immense 
building sunk to the eaves, slowly made its way among the Union 
shipping in Hampton Roads, Va. This was the Merrimac, a 
Confederate iron-clad gun-boat. The frigate Congre^^s and the 
sloop Cumberland were near, and the Merrimac steered toward 
them. The Cumberland fired a whole broadside against the 
iron-clad, but the balls glanced off, doing no more damage than 
if they had been so many peas. The Merrimac thrust her iion 
beak clear through the hull of the Cumberland, making a large 
hole, into which the water rushed, and she sank with all on board, 
her colors still flying. The Congress, seeing the fate of her 
companion, ran ashore, but this did not save her: the Merrimac 
riddled her with shot, and her crew surrendered. Having done 
this mischief, the Merrimac returned at night to Norfolk, 
intending to destroy the rest of the Union fleet the next day. 
On the same night, the Monitor, a Union iron-clad arrived from 
New York, and prepared to meet her antagonist, the Merrimac. 
Soon the next morning, the Merrimac appeared, and the battle 
of the iron ships began. The heavy shot rattled against their 
invulnerable coats of mail. Broadside after broadside was 
exchanged, but little harm was done to either vessel. The 
Merrimac endeavored to run down the Monitor, but her huge beak 
only grated over the iron deck, while the Monitor glided out 
unharmed. Finally, the Meirimac finding that her antagonist 
was invulnerable, withdrew and went back to Norfolk. 

10. The Monitor. — "This 'Yankee cheese-box,' as it was 
nicknampd at thfi timp was the invention of Capt. Ericson. It 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 139 

was a hull, with the deck a few inches above water, and in the 
center a curious round tower made to revolve slowly by steam- 
power, thus turning the two guns it contained, in every direction. 
The upper part of the hull which' was exposed to the Confederates' 
fire, projected several feet beyond tne lower part, and was made 
of thick white oak, covered with iron plating six inches thick 
on the sides and two inches on the deck." 

11. Siege and Capture of Yorktown. — At Yorktown, Va., the 
Confederates were strongly intrenched. Gen. McClellan, in 
command of the Army of the Potomac, commenced a siege of the 
place. After a delay of a month, the Union forces gained 
possession, May 4th (1862) — the Confederates having evacuated 
the previous night. On the evacuation of Yorktown, Norfolk was 
abandoned by the Confederates, the Navy Y'ard burned, and the 
famous Merrimac, the pride of the South, was blown up. Federal 
troops then took posse.-sion of Norfolk, 

12. Battle of WiLllainsburg. — The Confederates, with a view 
of strengthening the fortifications around Richmond, next made 
a stand at Williamsburg, but on the 5th of May, they were 
defeated by superior numbers, and pursued to within seven miles 
of Richmond. 

13. Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley. — There were at this 
time in Virginia three other Federal armies, besides McClellan's, 
under the respective commands of Fremont, Banks and McDowell. 
It was the purpose of the Federals to combine McDowell's forces,. 
40,000 strong, with those of McClellan, to augment the vast army 
that threatened Richmond. To prevent this. Gen. J. E. Johnston, 
Confederate commander-in-chief, directed Stonewall Jackson to 
attack the Federal forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Jackson 
by rapid marches, drove Fremont's army back into West Virginia. 
Defeating Banks at Winchester, and forcing him to retreat to the 
Potomac, Jackson threatened Washington, but he was hotly 
pursued by the combined forces of Fremont, Banks and McDowell. 
At Cross Keys and Port Republic, June 8th and 9th, battles 
were fought, but Jackson with hid army escaped and joined the 
Confederates at Richmond. 

14. Battle of Fair Oaks.— On May 31st a part of McClellan'? 
army, which had crossed the Chickahominy, was furiously 
attacked bv the Confederates under Johnston. The battle, called 



140 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

that of Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines, lasted part of two days, 
neither party being the gainer. The Confederate general-in-chief, 
Johnston, having been wounded in this action, General Robert 
E. Lee was assigned (June 8d) to the command of the army in 
front of Richmond. Lee retained the command until the close 
of the war. 

15. The Seven Days' Battles. — McClellan was preparing to 
make an advance on Richmond, when he heard that Stonewall 
Jackson had appeared near Hanover Court House, and threatened 
the Union rear. A "change of base" was at once decided upon, 
and a retrograde movement commenced. On the 26th of June 
General Lee attacked a part of McClellan's forces at Mechanics- 
ville, and was repulsed. The Federal troops retired to Gaines's 
Mill, where they were defeated. They then withdrew to 
the south bank of the Chickahominy. That night (June 28) 
Lee sent troops along the roads that intersected the line of 
McClellan's retreat. They struck the Federal flank, June 29th, 
at Savage's Station. The Federals maintained their position till 
night, and then continued the retreat. At Frazier's Farm, June 
30th, the Confederates under Longstreet and Hill attacked the 
retreating army, but could not break the line. At Malvern the 
Federals collected on an elevated plateau, and here the broken 
fragments of the Army of the Potomac made their final stand 
(July 1st). Lee's army was here checked in a bloody battle, and 
the pursuit was pressed no further. 

16. Effect of McClellan's Campaign.— Though McClellan's 
retreat from the advance on Richmond was conducted with skill, 
yet the contemplated siege of Richmond was bafiled; 10,000 
prisoners had been taken by the Confederates, and immense 
military stores captured or destroyed. The North was* much 
discouraged, and Lincoln called for 300,000 more troops. 

17. Cedar Mountain and Second Bull Run. — On July 11th 
(1862) General Halleck was appointed coinmander-in-chief of 
the Union Armies. All the forces in northern Virginia were 
placed under General Pope. Lee saw an advantage, and with 
Stonewall Jackson, attacked a portion of Pope's army under 
Banks, at Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9th. The Federals 
were defeated. Jackson then destroyed the railroad between 
Pope's army and AVashington, and at Manassas captured a vast 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 141 

depot of stores of all descriptions. On August 29th Jackson's 
army combined with Lee's, and defeated Pope's forces in the 
bloody Second Battle of Bull Run. The Union troops were 
here utterly routed — Lee pursuing them for two days. 

18. Four Battles of September. — At the battle of Chantilly, 
September 2d, the pursuing Confederates gained a victory. At 
his own request. Pope was relieved of the command, and McClellan 
was placed at the head of the troops at Washington. On 
September 14th the Confederates were repulsed at the battle of 
South Mountain, Md. On the same day, the Confederate General, 
Stonewall Jackson, captured Harper's Ferry, with 12,000 
prisoners, as many stand of arms, seventy-five pieces of artillery, 
and more than two hundred wagons. On the 17th the terrific 
battle of Antietam (an-tee'-tara) was fought, in which 60,000 
Confederates under Lee and Jackson, engaged with 90,000 
Federals under McClellan. The fight lasted fourteen hours, 
during which 12,000 Union soldiers were lost. The Confederate 
loss was about the same. 

19. Emancipation Proclamation. — September 22d, Lincoln 
issued his celebrated Emancipation Proclamation. It declared 
that "on the 1st day of January, 1863, all persons held as slaves 
within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof 
shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, 
thenceforward, and forever free." 

20. Confederate Invasion of Kentucky. — Determined not to 
give up Kentucky without a struggle, the Confederates, in two 
strong divisions, invaded the State from Tennessee. One division 
was under Gen. Kirby Smith ; the other under General Braxton 
Bragg August 30th Smith's army routed the Federals at 
Richmond — the latter losing heavily. Lexington and Frankfort 
were both taken. Cincinnati was saved from capture only by the 
extraordinary exertions of Gen. Lew. Wallace. Bragg's 
army advancing from Chattanooga, captured (September 17), at 
Mumfordsville, a Federal division of 4,500 men. He then 
pressed on toward Louisville and would have taken the city, but 
for a forced march of General Buell from Tennessee, who forced 
the Confederates to turn back. Buell received re-inforcements 
from the North, swelling his army to 100,000. The Confederates 
retired to Perry ville, Ky., where, October 8th, Bragg was 



142 HISTORY OF THK UNITED STATES. 

overtaken and a severe, but indecisive battle was fought. The 
Confederates then continued their retreat to east Tennessee, 
cariying with them a train of 4,000 wagons laden with spoils of 
the campaign. 

21. Battle of Fredericksburg. — The Federal Government 
became dissatisfied with the slow movements of McClellan, and 
soon after the battle of Antietam, General Burnside was 
appointed to supersede him. On September 13th Burnside with 
100,000 men attempted to storm the works in the rear of 
Fredericksburg, Va. The Confederates under Lee, 80,000 strong, 
were stron^y intrenched on the hills and bluffs back of the city. 
The carnage was terrible, and ended only when night approached. 
The Federal soldiers, bravely charging— whole companies with 
unloaded guns— were mowed down by thousands. They were 
repulsed with horrible slaughter, losing over 12,000 in killed, 
wounded, prisoners and missing, while the total Confederate loss 
was one-third that number. 

22. Battle of Murfreesborough.— General Bragg on his 
retirement from Kentucky, collected his forces, 35,000 strong, at 
Murfreesborough, Tenn. He was here attacked by Rosecrans 
(rose-krans') with an army of 47,000 men. The battles which 
followed (December 31st and January 1st and 2d, 1863) were 
fierce and bravely fought. Several divisions of the Union army 
under Thomas and Hazen, respectively, performed unparalleled 
deeds of heroism. The first battle (December 31st) was won by 
the Confederates, but that of the last two days resulted in the 
discomfiture of Bragg's army, which retreated southward. 

23. First Attempt to take Vicksburg. — Vicksburg was now 
the only strong point of the Confederates on the Mississippi ; and 
toward the close of this year (1862), Generals Grant and 
Sherman undertook to conquer it. Grant made a depot for 
provisions and munitions of war at Holly Springs, Miss, His 
design was to go steadily southward to the rear of Vicksburg. 
His scheme was, however, foiled by Gen. Van Dorn, who 
captured the depot at Holly Springs and destroyed the array 
supplies there, the value of which was more than $4,000,000, 
Sherman, unaware of Grant's misfortune, proceeded to carry out 
his part of the plan, and attacked the Confederate fortifications 
on Haines's Bluff, 13 miles above Vicksburg, but was repulsed 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 143 

with great loss. Grant and Sherman now became convinced that 
Vicksburg could not be taken by direct assault, and abandoned 
the undertaking for the time. 

24. Greenbacks. — "The war was carried on by means of paper 
money called greenbacks. These were first issued in 1862. At 
this time all the hanks in the United States had suspended 
specie payments. As the war went on, gold began to command a 
premium; that is, greenbacks began to depreciate. In 1864 
gold rose as high as 280; that is, $1 gold was worth $2.80 in 
greenbacks. The (Confederates also carried on the war by means 
of paper money, which, however, became almost worthless before 
the close of the war." 

25. The Sioux War.— During the latter part of this year (1862) 
the Sioux (soo) Indians perpetrated horrible massacres in 
Minnesota, Iowa and Dacotah. Hundreds of whites were killed, 
and many families driven from their homes. They were finally 
subdued by Col. Sebley, who pursued them for a month and 
captured 500 of them. Thirty-nine were hung on one scaflTold 
in Minnesota, December 26th. 



EVENTS OF 1863. 



1. The Fall of Vicksburg. — In April Generals Grant and 
Sherman determined again to attempt the conquest of Vicks- 
burg. The object was to open the Mississippi, which the 
Confederates commanded at Vicksburg, Grand Gulf and Port 
Hudson. After several attempts to get in the rear of Vicksburg 
and destroy the naval forces of the Confederates on the Yazoo 
river. Grant, on May 1st, caused the Confederates to evacuate 
their strong position at Grand Gulf. Between the 12th and 17th 
of May, the Union troops gained a succession of victories at 
Raymond, Jackson, Champion's Hill and Big Black River Bridge 
— at the two places last named, defeating General Pemberton, 
who had sallied from Vicksburg with 25,000 men to attack 
their rear. This force was driven back. Two assaults having 
failed, it was resolved to reduce the city by siege. The Federal 
guns kept up an incessant bombardment. The garrison held out 
as long as possible but their brave endurance was vain. Pro- 
visions became scarce ; even the flesh of mules began to fail. At 
last, having no other resource, Pemberton, on July 4th, was 



144 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

obliged to surrender his whole garrison, over 30,000 men, and a 
great quantity of war materials. July 8th Port Hudson with 
6,200 men surrendered to Gen. Banks. The Mississippi was 
thus opened to the Gulf, and the Federals held undisputed sway 
of this great thoroughfare. The capture of Vicksburg was a 
heavy blow to the Confederacy. 

2. The Colored Troops. — Gen. Banks's army at Port Hudson 
consisted in part of colored soldiers. More than 50,000 negroes 
enlisted in the Federal service during I860, and twice that 
number the next year. They were partly from the Northern 
States, and partly freedmen emancipated under Lincoln's 
Proclamation, which took effect January 1st, 1863. The 
Emancipation Proclamation met with much opposition in the 
North, and was distasteful to many in the Union army. 
Numerous officers resigned, and thousands of privates deserted — 
claiming that they did not fight the South to free the negro. The 
Southern soldiers entertained the most intense hatred toward 
these colored troops, and proclaimed death to white officers that 
would command them. 

3. Battle of Chancellorsville, Va.— On the 2d and 3d of May, 
General Hooker, who had succeeded Burnside in command, 
engaged in battle with Lee and Jackson, at Chancellorsville, 
ten miles from Fredericksburg. Hooker's army consisted of 12,000 
men; the Confederates had about half that number. This was a 
great battle, and the Union army was thoroughly beaten, their 
loss being 17,000 men; that of the Confederates, 13,000. In this 
battle the famous Confederate General, Stonewall Jackson, was 
accidently shot by his own men. His death was a severe loss to 
the Southern Army. He was a truly noble man — pure-minded, 
magnanimous, and of unflinching courage. 

4. Lee's Livasion of Maryland.— On the 26th of June, the 
victorious army of Lee invaded Maryland — marching thi-ough 
the State into Pennsylvania. The whole North became alarmed. 
General G. G. Meade, who had succeeded Hooker in command 
of the Union army, marched to intercept the bold invader; and 
at Gettysburg, Penn., July 1st, 2d and 3d, the two armies 
engaged in terrible battle — the greatest and most important of 
the whole war. The fury of the conflict was indescribable. The 
field was literally heaped with slain. Both sides fought with 
desperate determination, but the Confederates were finally 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 145 

overcome. The loss was very heavy, on both sides. Lee was 
forced to retrace his steps to Virginia. This great battle proved 
that the subjugation of the seceded States was only'a matter of 
time, but would require superior resources and overwhelming 
numbers. 

5. The Conscription Act. — In consequence of the passage of 
a conscription act by Congress in March (1863), by which the 
President was authorized to recruit the army, if necessary, by a 
draft, a serious riot occurred in New York City, on July 13th. 
Excited mobs burned two blocks of houses containing the offices 
of provost (pro'-vo) marshals, who were proceeding with the draft; 
also the Colored Half Orphan Asylum and other buildings. 
For three days a reign of terror prevailed. Thieves and 
malefactors of every grade joined the rioters, and the most fiendish 
outrages were perpetrated. More than 400 persons— mostly 
rioters — were killed, and over $2,000,000 worth of property 
destroyed. By the 16th of July, however, the disturbance was 
quelled. 

6. John Morgan's Raid.— In July Gen. John H. Morgan 
with 2,000 Confederates made a rapid raid through Kentucky 
into Indiana. The inhabitants of Indiana along his route turned 
out to defend themselves, but could not check the invaders. The 
raiders also traversed southern Ohio, helping themselves to fresh 
horses and provisions, destroying property and burning bridges. 
They were at last overtaken and the most of them captured, July 
21st, by a Union force under Gen. Hobson, who had followed 
close in their rear all the way from Kentucky. Morgan, himself, 
with the remnant of his men, was taken on the 26th, near New 
Lisbon, Ohio. He was confined in the penitentiary at Columbus; 
but four months after, he escaped, and reached Richmond in 
safety. 

7. Battle of CMckamauga. — On September 19th the Confed- 
erates under Bragg and Longstreet, attacked the Union forces 
under Rosecrans (rose-krans') and Thomas, near Chickamauga 
Creek, Ga. The battle raged furiously that day and the next. 
A portion of the Union army was thrown into confusion and 
fled to Chattanooga; but General Thomas, "like a lion at bay, 
repulsed the terrible assaults of the Confederates." His men, 
exhausted, fell back. Rosecrans, defeated and driven from the 
field, concentrated his forces at Chattanooga, where they were 



146 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

besieged for two months I)}- General Bragg. Their .supplies were 
c^t off and they were threatened with starvation. 

8. Battle of Chattanooga. — Gen. Grant was now appointed to 
succeed Kosecrans, and he hastened to Chattanooga, with 80,000 
men to relieve the besieged army there. The Confederates under 
Bragg numbered about 60,000, and held positions of great 
strength, extending from the summit of Missionary Ridge to that 
of Lookout Mountain. In the meantime, Gen. Hooker had 
arrived with two corps from the army of the Potomac, opened the 
Tennessee river and brought relief to the besieged. Gen. 
Sherman also arrived to re-inforce Grant; and on the night of 
November 28d, he occupied the ncn'thern end of Missionary Ridge. 
Hooker, on the 24th, took j)ossession of Lookout Mountain. 
"Descending the eastern slope next morning at break of day. 
Hooker swept across the Chattanooga Valley; Sherman made a 
vigorous advance upon Bragg, who thrust forward all his 
available troops to check him. Grant from an elevated })0siti(jn, 
saw that the critical moment had come, and directed Thomas to 
take the rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge" The Federals 
won the day, and Bragg retreated southward. The Confederate 
Government removed Bragg, giving his command to Gen. J. E. 
Johnston. 

This was the last military movement of the year. 



THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 
1864—1865. 



1. G-rant made Lieutenant-General. — March 3d, 1864, Grant 
was made Lieutenant-General, in command of all the Union 
Armies. This high rank had been borne by only two men — 
George Washington and Winfield Scott. The various armies 
were now to act in conceit ; before, they had operated independ- 
ently. It was now decided that the strength of the Confederates 
lay in the armies of Lee in Virginia and of Johnston in 
Georgia. Grant was to attack Lee; Sherman was to engage with 
Johnston ; and both were to keep at work till the end was 
accomplished. 

2. Banks's Expedition. — Early in this year, Banks made an 
expedition to the Red River region, and on March 13th, captured 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 147 

Fort de Russey, in Louisiana. At Sabine Cross Roads, La., the 
Confederates routed a part of his army, April 8th, but at Pleasant 
Hill, a few miles distant, re-inforcemeuts coming to his relief, he 
rallied his flying troops, and lepulsed the Confederates, April 9th. 
He then returned to New Orleans. His expedition was barren 
of good results, and he was soon relieved of the command. 

3. General Forrest's Raid. — So many troops had been sent to 
join Banks's Red River expedition that West Tennessee and 
Kentucky were left exposed to the Confederates. Forrest 
captured Union City, Tenn., March 24th; occupied Hickman, 
Ivy., and advanced upon Paducah. This being protected by 
gun-boats, he was repulsed, March 25. He next went against Fort 
Pillow, Tenn., on the Mississip23i, April 12th, which he cap- 
tured by storm. His men, maddened by the sight of negro troops 
with which it was garrisoned, gave no quarter, and an indiscrim- 
inate slaughter followed. 

4. Battle of the Wilderness. — Grant, at the head of the 
Army of the Potomac, 140,000 strong, engaged with the Confed- 
erate army of 60,000, under Lee, at a place called the Wilderness, 
near Chancellorsville, Va., May 5th-Gth. This was a tangled 
thicket of pines and cedars. The battle was a hand to hand 
encounter with musketry — the dense woods preventing the use of 
artillery or cavalry. Neither party gained any advantage. 

5. Battle of Spottsylvania. — After the battle of the Wilder- 
ness, Grant marched his army toward Spottsylvania Court House, 
Va., a few miles southward. He was headed off by Lee; and 
here from the 8th to the 12th of May — five days — a continuous- 
battle was fought, resulting in no advantage to either army. 

6. Battle of Cold Harbor. — After this. Grant attempted to flank 
Lee's army, but Lee, perceiving the design, intrenched his arm}' 
at Cold Harbor (Va.) Here, on June 3d, a murderous battle 
took place. "Twenty minutes after the first shot was fired, fully 
ten thousand Union men were stretched writhing on the sod, or 
still and calm in death, while the Confederate loss was little over 
one thousand." The battle was discontinued by the Federal 
soldiers' refusing to prolong the slaughter. 

7. The Alabama and the Kearsarge. — The Confederate priva- 
teer, Alabama, an English-built vessel, had been roaming the seas, 
pillaging and burning U. S. merchant ships , but in 1864 her 



148 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

career was terminated. She was commanded by Capt. Semmes, 
and manned mostly by British seamen. She had captured sixty- 
six U. S. vessels. After a short contest, June 15th, she was 
sunk by the Kearsarge (keer'-sarj), Capt. Winslow, off the coast 
of France. 

8. Capture of Atlanta. — In May, Sherman, in accordance with 
preconcerted arrangements, proceeded to attem})t the capture of 
Atlanta, Ga. In a desperate battle at Dalton — May 13th, 14th 
—he forced the Confederates, under Johnston, to retreat. 
During the retreat — the Federals pursuing — battles were fought 
at Dallas, May 28th ; at Lost Mountain, June 15th, 16th, 17th ; 
and at Kenesaw Mountain, June 18th anfl July 3d. The 
advance of the Union army was thus delayed, but on July 10th, 
the Confederates took refuge within their strong fortifications 
before Atlanta. Johnston, whose policy in thus retreating, was 
loudly condemned by the Confederate Congress, was superseded 
by General Hood, who made three furious attacks upon the 
Union army before Atlanta (July 20th, 22d, 28th), but was 
repulsed with much loss, Sherman now commenced a siege of 
the city. By skillful maneuvering, he compelled Hood to 
evacuate, September "2d. Thus the Confederates were losing 
their strong holds, one l)y one, and the prospects of the Soutli 
began to wane rapidly. 

9. General Early's Raid. — Hoping to draw off. Grant from the 
siege of Richmond, Lee sent Gen. Early to menace Washington. 
At Monocacy River, Early defeated Gen. Wallace and then 
appeared before Fort Stevens, one of the defenses of Washington 
(July 10th). He was, however, forced to retreat across the 
Potomac, whence he sent a body of cavalry to burn Chambershurg, 
Va. At Winchester and Fisher's Hill, Sheridan defeated Early, 
destroying half his army. Being re-inforced soon after. Early 
returned during Sheridan's temporary absence, surprised his army 
at Cedar Creek (Oct. 19th), and drove it in confusion. At this 
critical moment, Sheridan, who had heard the cannonading 
during his absence at Winchester — 13 miles distant — arrived on 
the field in hot haste. His flying troops rallied with his presence, 
and drove back the Coniederates with great loss. Sheridan thus 
efiectually destroyed Early's army, and no further attempts were 
made to threaten Washington. 

10. Nevada Admitted to the Union— October 31st (1864). 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 149 

Nevada (na-vah'-dah) was admitted as the 36th State. Its name 
is Spanish, signifying "snow-covered." It was settled in 1848, 
at Carson City. It is rich in minerals, and valuable mines have 
been opened, yielding the precious metals. 

11. Sherman's March to the Sea. — After burning the city of 
Atlanta, Sherman started (November 16th) with 60,000 men 
on his notorious "march to the sea." On the route he destroyed 
the Georgia Central and Augusta railroads — his troops foraging 
on the country as they passed. December 13th, he took Fort 
McAllister, Ga., and afterward captured Savannah. His army, 
in five weeks, had marched 300 miles to- the ocean, desolating the 
country throughout his route. 

12. Lincoln Re-Elected. — At the Presidential election in the 
autumn of 1864, two candidates were presented — President 
Lincoln for a second term by the Republicans, and Gen. George 
B. McClellan by the Democrats. Lincoln was re-elected by a 
large majority, with Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, as Vice- 
President. 

13. Battle of Nashville. — After evacuating Atlanta, Hood 
proceeded to Tennessee, and at Nashville (December 15th and 
16th) attacked the Federals under Thomas. In a terrible two 
days' battle the Confederates were demoralized and forced to 
retreat across the Tennessee. The rash Hood was now relieved of 
his command, and the more efiicient Johnston re-instated. 

14. Fall of Petersburg and Richmond. — The End. — Sherman, 
after raiding through Georgia, passed through South Carolina and 
North Carolina, desolating the country as he marched and fighting 
severe battles with the armies of Bragg and Johnston. "Grant's 
plans to capture Petersburg and Richmond were now perfected. 
On April 2nd, 1865, an attack was made along the whole line in 
front of Petersburg, and was everywhere successful. On the 
afternoon of April 2nd (Sunday), Jefterson Davis, while at 
chuich, received a telegram from Lee to the effect that his army 
had been driven from its intrenchments, and that both Petersburg 
and Riclimond must be abandoned without delay. The evacuation 
was hastily accomplished that same night. On the next day 
Grant moved intp Petersburg, £ind a few hours afterward. Gen. 
Weitzel (wet'-zel) took possession of Richmond. The coveted 
goal of the Army of the Potomac for four long years was now 
attained." 



150 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Lee, with the remnant of his brave but unfortunate army, 
attempted to escape, but, hemmed about on all sides by the 
overwhelming Union Army, he accepted the generous terms of 
surrender proposed by Grant, and on April 9th (1865) the Army 
of Virginia laid down their arms, "and turned homeward, no 
longer Confederate soldiers, but American citizens." The Great 
Civil War was Ended. The other Confederate armies, at other 
points, also surrendered soon after. 

Jefferson Davis fled southward, hoping to escape, but was 
captured near Irwinsville, Ga,, May 11th and imprisoned in 
Fortress Monroe. Afteu two years' confinement, he was liberated 
on bail ; and his cause, after remaining untried for a year and a 
half, was finally dismissed. 

15. Robert E. Lee. — He was a graduate of West Point Military 
Academy; was Gen. Scott's chief engineer during the Mexican 
War ; and was the most trusted of the Confederate generals. 
In the Civil War he displayed magnificent strategy — for three 
years baffling every attempt to take Richmond, which fell only 
with the Confiederate Government. His deep piety, truth, 
sincerity and honesty won the hearts of all. At the time of his 
death (October 12th, 1870), he was President of Washington and 
Lee University in Virginia. 



RECAPITULATION. 



1. Battles Won by the Confederates.* — In the Great Civil War, 
the Confederates were successful in the following : 

(1). Fort Sumter, S C, April 14th, 1861. 

(2). Big Bethel, Va., June 10th, 1861. 

(3). Bull Run, Va., July 21st, 1861. 

(4). Wilson's Creek, Mo., August 10th, 1861. 

(5). Ball's Bluff, Va., October 21st, 1861. 

(6). Winchester, Va., . n'une 7th, 1862. 

"'Those battles only, which are mentioned in this work, are here 
tabulated. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 

(7). Cross Keys, Va., June 8th 

(8). Port Republic, Va., June 9th 

(9). Gaines's Mill, Va., June 27th 

(10). Cedar Mountaiii, Va., August 9t!i 

(11). Second Bull Run, Va., August 29th 

(12). Riclimond, Ky., August 30th 

(13). Chantilly, Va., August 31st 

(14). Harper's Ferry, Va., September 15th 

(15). Mumfordsville, Ky., September 17th 

(16). Fredericksburg, Va., December 13th 

(17). Haines's Bluff, Va., December 29th 

(18). Chancellorsville, Va., May 2nd and 3rd 

(19). Chickamauga, Ga., September 19th and 20th 

(20). Sabine Cross Roads, La., April 28th 

(21). Union City, Tenn., March 24th 

(22). Hickman, Ky., March 24th 

(23). Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 12th 

(24). Cold Harbor, Va., June 3rd 

(25). Great Kenesaw Mt, Ga., July 3rd 

(26). Monocacy River, Md., July 9th 

(27). First Battle of Cedar Creek, Va., October 19th 



151 

1862. 

1862. 

1862. 

1862. 

1862. 

1862. 

1862. 

1862. ' 

1862. 

1862. 

1862.. 

1863. 

1863. 

1864. 

1864. 

1864. 

1864. 

1864. 

1864. 

1864. 

1864. 



2. Battles Won by the Federals.*— In the Great Civil War, the 
Federals were successful in the following : 

(1). Philippi, Va., June 3rd, 1861. 

■*Those battles only, which are mentioned in this work, are here 
tabulated. 



152 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

(2). Booneville, Mo., June 17th, 1861. 

(3). Rich Mountain, Va., July 11th, 1861. 

(4). Carrick'sFord, Va., July 14th, 1861. 

(5). Carnifex Ferry, Va., September 10th, 1861. 

(6). Dranesville, Va., December 20th, 1861. 

(7). Mil] Spring, Ky., January 19th, 1862. 

(8). Fort Henry, Tenu., February 6th, 1862. 

(9). Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 16th, 1862. 

(10). Pea Ridge, Mo., March 6th, 1862.. 

(11). Merrimac and Monitor, Va., March 9th, 1862. 

(12). New Orleans,, La., April 28th, 1862. 

(13). Williamsburg, Va., May 5th, 1862. 

(14). Mechanicsville, Va., .June 26th, 1862. 

(15). Malvern, Va., July 1st, 1862. 

(16). South Mountain, Md., September 14th, 1862. 

(17). Murfreesboro', Tenn., December 81st, 1862. 

(18). Battles before Vicksburg,— May 12th and 17th, 1863. 

(19). Vicksburg, July 4th, 1863. 

(20). Gettysburg, Pa., July 1st and 8rd, 1863. 

(21). Chattanooga, Tenn., __ -November 23rd and 24th, 1863. 

(22). Padueah, Ky., March 25th, 1864. 

(23). Pleasant Hill, La., April 9th, 1864. 

(24). Dalton, Ga., May 13th, 1864. 

(25). Dallas, Ga., ,_ May, 28th, 1864. 

(26). Alabama and Kearsarge, June 15th, 1864. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 153 

(27). Lost Mountain, Ga., June 15tli and 17th, 1864. 

(28). Atlanta, Ga., September 2nd, 1864. 

(29). Second Battle Cedar Creek, Va.,__ .October 19th, 1864. 

(30). Port McAllister, Ga., December 13th, 1864. 

(31). NashviUe, Tenn.,. December 15th and 16th, 1864. 

(32). Petersburg and Richmond, Va., Apr. 2d and 3d, 1865. 

3. Indecisive Battles of the War.*— In the Great Civil War, the 
battles in which neither party was victorious, were the following : 

(1). Shiloh, Tenn., April 6th, 1862. 

(2). Pair Oaks, Va., May 31st, 1862. 

(3). Savage Station, Va., June 29th, 1862. 

(4). Prazier's Parm, Va., June 30th, 1862. 

(5). Antietam, Md., September 17th, 1862. 

(6). Perry ville, Ky., October 8th, 1862. 

(7.) Wilderness, Va., May 5th and 6th, 1864. 

(8). Spottsylvania, Va., May 8th and 12th, ^864. 

*Those battles only, which are mentioned in this work,_are here 
tabulated. 

19 



154 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

RECAPITULATION. 

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS RECORDED IN SECTIONS HI & IV. 

(national period.) 

1849, Zachary Taylor inaugurated twelfth President, March Sjth. 

1850, John C. Calhoun died at Washington, March 31st. 

1850, President Taylor died, July 9th. 

1850, Millard Fillmore, Vice-Presideut, ' becomes thirteenth 
President July 9th. 

1850, California admitted as th#51st State, Septemlier, 9th. 

1850, The Omnibus Bill passed by Congress, Septembei' 18th, 

1851, Lopez and his fillibustering companions executed at Havana, 

1852, Henry Clay died at Washington, June 28th, 

1852. Daniel Webster died^at "Marshfield," October 24th. 

1853, Franklin Pierce inaugurated fourteenth President, Mar. 4th, 
1853, The Crystal Palace opened at New York, July 14th. 
1853, The "Gadsden Purchase" effected. 

1853, The Know-Nothing" party organized. 

1854, Treaty of Commerce made with Japan, March. 
1854, The Kansas-Nebraska Bill passed. 

1857, James Buchanan inaugurated fifteenth President, Mar. 4th. 
1857, Mormons give trouble, but are subdued. 

1857, The "Dred Scott" decision made by Judge Taney. 

1858, Minnesota admitted as the 32d State, May 11th. 

1859, The John Brown Raid excites the country, October 10th. 

1859, Oregon admitted as the 33d State, February 14th. 

1860, Abraham Lincoln elected 16th President. 

1860, State Convention of Secessionists hell! at Charleston. 
S. C, December 20th. 

1860. South Carolina passes ordinance of secession. December 20th. 

1861, Steamer "Star of the West" fired upon, January 9th. 
1861, Mississippi passes ordinance of secession, January 9th. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 155 

1861, Alabama and Florida pass ordinances of secession, 

January, 11th. 
861, Georgia passes ordinance of secession, January 19th. 
861, Louisiana passes ordinance of secession, January 26th. 
861, Kansas admitted as the 34th State, January 29th. 
861, Texas passes ordiuaiice of secession, February 1st. 
861, Abraham Lincoln inaugurated, March 4th. 
861, Fort Sumter evacuated by Major Anderson, April 14th. 
861, Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteers, April 15th. 
861, Virginia passes ordinance of secession, April 17th. 
861, First Blood of the Civil War shed at Baltimore, April 19th. 
861, Arkansas passe-: ordinance of secession. May 6th. 
861, North Carolina passes ordinance of" secession. May 20th. 
861, Tennessee passes ordinance of secession, June 8th. 
861, Battle of Philippi, Va., June 3d — Federals victorious. 
861, Battle of Big Bethel, Va., June 10th — Confederates 

victorious. 

861, Battle of Booneville, Mo., June 17th — Federals victorious. 

861, Battle of Rich Mountain, Va., July 11th— Federals 
victorious. 

861, Battle of Bull Run, Va., July 21st— Confederates 
victorious. 

861, Battle of Carrick's Ford, Va., July 14th— Federal? 
victorious. 

861, Battle of Wilson's Creek, Mo., August 10th— Confederates 
victorious. 

861, Battle of Camifex Ferry, Va., September 10th — Federals 
victorious. 

861, Battle of Ball's Bluff, Va., October 21st— Confederates 
victorious. 

861, Confederate Commissioners taken from the Trent, 
November. 

861, Battle of Dranesville, Va., December 20th— Federals 

victorious. 

862, Battle of Mill Spring, Ky., January 19th— Federals 

victorious. 



156 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



1 



1862, Fort Henry captured by the Federals, February 6th, 
1862, FortDonelson captured by the Federals, February 16th, 
1862, Battle of Pea Ridge, Mo., March 6th and 7th— Federals 
victorious. 

1862, The Merrimac destroys the Union Ships, Cumberland and 
Congress, Mai'ch 8th. 

1862, The Monitor triumphs over the Merrimac, March 9th. 

1862. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6th-7th— Neither party 

victorious. 

1862, Capture of New Orleans by the Federals, April 24th. 
1862, Capture of Yorktown by the Federals, May 4th. 
1862, Battle 9f Williamsburg, Va., May 5th— Federal.^ 
victorious. 

1862, Battle of Fair Oaks, Va., May 31st— Neither party 
victorious. 

1862, Battle of Cross Keys, Va., June 8th — Confederates 
victorious. 

1862, Battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9th— Confederates 

victorious. 

1862. Battle of Mechanicsville, Va., June 26th— Federals 

victorious. 
1862, Battle of Gaines's Mill. Va., June 27th— Confederates 

victorious. 

1862, Battle of Savage Station. Va., June 29th — Neither qjarty 
victorious. 

1862. Battle of Frazier's Farm, Va., June 30th — Neither party 

victorious. 
1862, Battle of Malvern, Va., July 1st — Federals victorious. 
1862, Battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9th — Confederates 

victorious. 

1862, Second Battle of Bull Run, Va., August 29th— Confed- 
erates victorious. 

1862, Battle of Chantilly, Va., September 2nd— Confederates 
victorious. 

1862, Battle of South Mountain, Md., September 14tli— Federals 
victorious. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 157 

1862, Harper's Ferry captured by the Confederates, Sept. 14th. 

1862, Battle of Antietam, Md., September 17th — neither party 
victorious. 

1862, Emancipation Proclamation issued, September 22d. 

1862, Battle of Riclimond, Ky., August 30th— Confederates 

victorious. 

1862, Battle of Mumfordsville, Ky., September 17th— Confed- 
erates victorious. 

1862, Battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8th — neither party 
victorious. 

1862, Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13th— Confed 
erates victorious. 

1862, Battle of Murfreesboro', Tenn., December 31st — Federals 

victorious. 

1862, Battle of Haines's Bluff, Miss., December— Confederates 

victorious. 

1862, "Greenbacks" first issued. 

1862, The -Sioux Indians defeated. 

1863, Emancipation Proclamation goes into effect January 1st. 

1863, Confederates evacuate Grand Gulf, Miss., May 1st. 

1863, Confederates defeated in battles before Vicksburg, May 
12th and 17th. 

1863, Battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2nd and 3rd— Con- 
federates victorious. 

1863, Lee invades Maryland. June 26th. 

1863, West Virginia admitted as the 35th State, June 30th. 

1863, Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2nd and 3rd -Federals 

victorious. 

1863, Vicksburg taken by Grant, July 4th. 

1863, Port Hudson, Miss., taken by the Federals, July 8th. 

1863. Conscription Riot in New York City, July 13th and 16th. 

1863. Morgan raids through Kentucky into Indiana and Ohio, 
July. 

1863, Battle of CMckamauga, September 19th and 20th — Con- 
federates victorious. 



158 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

1863, Battle of Chattanooga, Temi., November 23rd and 24th — 

Federals victorious. 

1864, Grant made Lieutenaut-General, March 3d. 

1864, Port De Russy, La., captured by the Federals, March 13th, 

1864, Union City, Tenu., captured by Forrest, March 24th. 

1864, Hickman, Ky., occupied by Forrest, Maich 24th. 

1864, Battle of Paducah, Ky., March 25— Forrest repulsed. 

1864, Battle of Sabine Cross Roads, La., April 8th— Confederates 
victorious. 

1864, Battle of Pleasant Hill, La. , April 9th —Federals victorious. 

1864, Fort Pillow stormed and taken by Forrest, April 12th. 

1864, Battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 5th and 6th— neither 

party victorious. 
1864, Battle of Spottsylvania, Va.,' May 8th and 12th— neither 

party victorious. 

1864, Battle of Dalton, Ga., May 13th and 14th— Federals 
victorious. 

1864, Battle of Dallas, Ga., May 28th — Federals victorious. 
1864, Battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3rd— Conf's victorious. 
1864, The Alabama sunk by the Kearsarge, June loth. 
1864, Battle of Lost Mountain, Ga., June 15th and 17th— Fed- 
erals victorious. 

1864, Battle of Great Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., July 3rd, Con- 
federates victorious. 

1864, Battles before Atlanta, Ga., July 20, 22, 28, Federals vic- 
torious. 

1864, Atlanta captured by the Federals, September 2nd — Con- 
federates evacuate. 

1 864, Battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill, Va., September 
19th and 22nd — Confederates victorious. 

1864, Battles of Cedar Creek. Va., October 18th and 19th— alter- 
nate victories. 

1864, Nevada admitted as the 36th State, October 31st. 

1864, Sherman starts on his "March to the Sea," November 16tli. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 



159 



1864, Sherman takes Fort McAllister, Ga. , December 16th. 

1864, LincolQ re-elected, November. 

1864, Savannah, Ga., taken by Sherman, December. 

1864, Battle of Nashville, Tenu., December 15-16th— Federals 

victorious. 

1865, Federals successful in battles before Richmond, April 1st. 
1865, Petersburg and Richmond evacuated, April 2d-3d. 

1865, Lee's Army surrenders to Grant, April 9th. — War Ends. 
1865, The Other Confederate Armies surrender, April — May. 
1865, Jefferson Davis captured. May 11th. 




160 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



SECTION V. 

FROM THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

1865—1877. 



JOHNSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1865—1869. 

1, Lincoln's Assassination. — On the night of April 14th, 1865, 
while sitting in a private box of a theatre, in Washington, 
President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, 
who sprang to the box occupied by the President, and shot liim in 
the head. Booth then escaped by a back way and tied. He was 
afterward found, and, refusing to give himself up, he was killed.^'- 
His accomplices were said to have been Harrold, Payne, 
Atzerott, Arnold, Mudd, McLaughlin and Mrs. Surratt ; 
the first three and Mrs. Surratt were tried, convicted and hanged ; 
the others were condemned to imprisonment for life on the Tor- 
tugas Islands (south of Florida), but have since been liberated. 

Attempts were also made to assassinate William H. Seward, 
Secretary of State, but they failed, though he was severely stabbed. 

The tragic fate of Lincoln caused the profoundest grief all 
over the North, and was deeply regretted in the South. Many 
houses were draped in black and many citizens wore the badge of 
mourning. 

2. Lincoln's Successor. — The melancholy death of Lincoln did 
not in the least disorganize the Government : within three hours 
thereafter (April 15th) Andrew Johnson, the Vice-President, 
quietly a^^sumed the duties of the Presidency. — Andrew Johnson 
was a self-made man. He was by trade a tailor, and at 17 years 
of age he learned to read and write. At the age of 20 he settled 
at Greenville, Tenn., where he soon arose to eminence He was 
alderman, mayor, legislator, congressman, governor and senator, 

*Many persons, however, were of the opinion that Booth escaped, and 
that an innocent man was killed and mutilated to obtain the large reward. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 161 

previous to his elevation to the highest position within the gift-of 
the people. He was remarkable for firmness and sagacity. 

3. Cost of the Civil War.— The North had about 1,500,000 
soldiers to take part in effective service ; the South, about 
600,000. Each side lost about 300,000 men, who fell in battle 
or perished from disease or from their wounds. Adding to 
this number 400,000 crippled and disabled for life by sickness, 
gives a grand total of 1,000,000 men destroyed on both sides, 
during the four years of civil strife. 

The national debt at the close of the war was about 
$2,500,000,000. The sum of $200,000,000 was paid in bounties, 
and $100,000,000 was given to soldiers' widows or other heirs. 
If to this be added the sums paid by States, counties, cities 
and towns, for raising local levies, we make the whole amount of 
money paid out for the war more than $4,000,000,000. This 
vast debt has been gradually diminishing, and the enormous 
resources of the country will eventually, pay it ofl^. 

The Confederate war debt was never paid, as that Government 
was overthrown. 

4. The Soldiers Turn Citizens. — After the armies were dis- 
banded, the soldiers of both sections, having bravely done their 
work, returned to the people from whom they came, and gladly 
resumed the vocations of peace. The people of Europe had 
predicted that riots and other evils would arise "when so many 
soldiers, familiar with scenes of violence and blood, were freed 
from military restraint." This, however, did not prove so. 
Within eighteen months, all the vast armies of both sections were 
disbanded and transported to their homes. 

5. Benevolence Abroad. — The horrors of the civil contest were 
much abated in the Federal Army by the humane and benevolent 
acts of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions furnished 
by the North. Their object was to provide comfort for the sick 
and wounded, and to distribute religious reading among the 
soldiers. They furnished also many delicacies and little wants 
not provided by the army. "Homes," "Lodges" and "Feeding 
Stations" for the homeless and hungry were established. Also 
homes for soldiers' wives and children who were, from any cause, 
in destitute circumstances. "$4,500,000 were raised and 
expended for benevolent work in camp, field and hospital." 

•20 



162 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The Southern people were not behind the Northern in their 
care and tenderness, but, with their limited means, were unable 
to accomplish as much, in this respect, as the wealthy and more 
populous North. They did all in their power, however, to 
mitigate the horrors of the war. 

6. Amnesty Proclamation. — Under an amnesty proclamation 
issued by the President May 29, 1865, ])ardon was offered to all 
who had taken part in the secession movement, except those 
embraced in certain specified classes, on condition of their taking 
an oath of allegiance to the United States ; and, on application, 
it was afterward extended to many individuals belonging to the 
classes excepted. On the 4th of July, 1868, full pardon and 
amnesty were granted by the President unconditionally to all who 
were not at that time under indictment for treason ; and on the 
25th of December, 1868. they were extended to all without 
exception. 

7. The 13tli Amendment to the Constitution.— This amend- 
ment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by the States, and on 
December 18th, 1865, it was declared duly adopted as a part of 
the Constitution. 

8. The Civil Rights Bill.— The Civil Rights. Bill, adopted 
for the protection of the freedmen, was passed by Congress, April 
9th, 1866, over President Johnson's veto. It gave equal rights 
to all, regardless of race or color. 

9. The Fenians. — In June, 1866, the Fenians, a secret 
society of Irishmen, who were banded together for the purpose of 
wresting Ireland from British rule and establishing its 
independence, invaded Canada, crossing the frontier from Buffalo 
and Vermont. After some skirmishing tliey were driven back. 
President Johnson issued a proclamation warning all against the 
enterprise as a violation of neutrality ; and the vigorous measures 
of Gen. Meade, who was sent to the frontier with a force, put a 
stop to the movement. 

10. The Atlantic Telegraph Cable. — In 1858 an enterprising 
company of capitalists laid a gutta-i)ercha cable in the Atlantic 
Ocean, extending from Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, to Valentia 
(va-len'-she-a) Bay, Ireland — a distance of 1640 miles. Tliis 
cable ceased to work, however, on the very day it was completed, 
"Cyrus W. Field, to whom the success of the enterprise is due, 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 168 

revived the company, and a new cable was made. In July, 1865, 
the Great Eastern commenced laying this cable, but in mid-ocean, 
it parted and sank to the bottom. Again Mr. Field raised a 
new company, with a capital of $3,000,000, and made a third 
cable. This was successfully laid, June, 1866." 

11. Nebraska Admitted. — Nebraska was admitted as the 37th 
State on March 1st, 1867. The name signifies "water-valley." 
It was formerly a part of Kansas, and was settled about the same 
time. 

12 Purchase of Alaska. — In April, 1867, the United States 
purchased from the Russian Government an extensive region 
forming the north-western part of North America, called Russian 
America, but now styled Alaska. (See Map). It is a large 
peninsula consisting of nearly 500,000 square miles, and is 
valuable chiefly for its harbors on the Pacific coast, its furs and 
its fisheries. The sum of $7,200,000 was paid for it. With this 
Territory, the whole area of the United States at present is 
3,578,000 square miles. 

13. Mexico and France. — During the Civil War, Napoleon 
III, emperor of France, desiring to obtain a foothold in America, 
took advantage of the opportunity, and sent an army to aid the 
Imperialists of Mexico in subduing the Liberals, who were 
struggling for liberty. The Liberals were defeated, and 
Maximilian, archduke of Austria, was chosen emperor. This 
course on the part of France being an infringement of the 
"Monroe Doctrine,"* the United States Government protested 
against the measure, but while absorbed in the civil contest, was 
unable to enforce the principle. When our Government was 
relieved from the pressure of internal war, it turned its attention 
to the Mexicans hopelessly striving for freedom. The United 
States demanded, and obtained, of Napoleon the recall of the 
French troops from Mexican territory. Deprived of foreign aid, 
Maximilian was defeated, and, falling into the hands of the 
Mexican Liberals, he was shot June 19th, 1867. This ended 
the dream of French dominion on this continent. 

14. Impeachment Trial of President Johnson.— Owing to 

difierences in political views, the conflict between the President 
and Congress became more and more violent. In 1867 Congress 

*See page 102, Topic 9. 



164 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

passed, over the President's veto, a reconstruction act defining 
the conditions upon which seceded States might return to' the 
Union, and placing them under military government until these 
conditions were complied with. 

The difficulties were aggravated by the attempt of the 
President in February, 1868, to remove Mr. Stanton, the 
Secretary of War, from his position. The majority in Congress 
deemed this a violation of the Tenure of Office Bill, passed 
shortly before, which made the consent of the Senate necessary to 
such removals. Great political excitement prevailed throughout 
the country; and on the 24th of February (1868), tiie House 
of Representatives resolved to impeach the President of "high 
crimes and misdemeanors." He was accordingly tried by the 
Senate. After a tedious trial, he was acquitted May 23d (1868). 

15. Seceded States Re-admitted.— On June 24th (1868), after 
a long and bitter struggle between Congress and the President, 
regarding the reconstruction i)olicy, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, 
Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Arkansas were 
re-admitted, their Senators and Representatives having been 
absent from their seats in Congress over seven years. Tennessee 
was re-admitted a short time before. Before the close of the 
year, the rest of the seceded States came back; "and, as before 
the war, the motto, E Pluribus Unum, appropriately inscribed 
the American banner and shield." 

16. Fourteentll Amendmeilt. — This addition to the Constitution 
was adopted July 28, 1868. By its provisions equal civil rights 
to all, regardless of race or color, is guaranteed, and representa- 
tion in each State is based on the number of voters. 

17. Indian War. — The Indians of the Southwest had been 
carrying on a depredating warfare since 1865. General Sherman 
was sent to suppress them. In 1868 Black Kettle and a 
large body of his warriors were surprised and slain by a charge of 
Custar's cavalry, and hostilities ceased. 

18. Treaty With China. — In 1868 an important treaty with 
the "Celestial Empire" was ratified by the United States, by 
which liberty of conscience is guaranteed to citizens of the 
United States in China; and permission to attend all public 
educational institutions, without being subjected to any religious 
or political test, is extended to Chinese residents of the United 
States. 




NATIONAL PERIOD. 165 

GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1869—1877. 

1. Election and Inauguration.— lu the autumn of 1868, 
General U. S. Grant, of Illinois, was nominated for the 
Presidency by the Republicans, AvUh Schuyler Colfax, of 
Indiana, for Vice-President; Horatio Seymour, of New York, 
with Gen. Francis P. Blair, Jr., of Missouri, were nominated 
by the Democrats. Grant and (Jolfax were elected, and on the 
4th of March, 1869, they were duly inaugurated. 

2. Ulysses S. Grant. — He was born in Ohio, and while a 
youth, he followed for a time his father's trade — that of tanner. 
At the age of 17, he secured an appointment at West Point. A 
short time after completing his four years' course, the Mexican 
War broke out, in which he conducted himself with gallantry, 
receiving special mention and promotion. After this, he retired 
to privnte life till the beginning of the Civil War (1861), when 
he offered his services in behalf of the Union, and was appointed 
colonel of an Illinois regiment. His subsequent militaiy career 
is familiar to the student. 

3. Pacific Railroad. — The Pacific Railroad, 1800 miles long, 
and extending from Boston to San Francisco, was completed and 
opened on the 10th of May, 1869. It connects the Atlantic with 
the Pacific, and the traveler can cross the Continent in one week. 
Thousands of pioneers have gone from the populous East to the 
Western wilds, to develop fresh sources of industry and wealth. 
Communication is thus held with the great Empire of China, 
from which silks, teas and spices are obtained. "American 
ingenuity has made a route to India — the great desire of olden 
navigators. 

4. Fifteentll Amendment. — This was formally announced as a 
part of the Constitution, March 30th, 1870. It gives the right 
of suffrage to all, irrespective of "race, color or previous condition 
of servitude." 

5. Tlie First and tlie Last Census.* — The first census of the 

'■■'A Census is an enumeration of inhabitants, their ages, wealth, &c., 
authorized by Government, and taken every ten years. 



166 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

United States was taken in 1790. Tiie population of the country 
was then nearly 4,000,000. In 1870 the ninth census was 
completed. "It was a work of vast importance, and the results 
presented were of the most encouraging character. Notwith- 
standing the ravages of war, the last decade liad been a period of 
wond*^rful growth and progress. During that time the population 
had increased from 31,443,00 to 38,587,000 souls. The national 
debt, though enormous, was rapidly falling off. The products of 
the country had grown to a vast aggregate, even the cotton crop 
of the South was regaining much of its former importance. 
American manufacturers wore competing with those of England 
in the markets of the world. The Union now embraced 
thirty-seven States and eleven Territories — including the Indian 
Territory and Alaska. From the narrow limits of the 13 original 
colonies, with their 421,000 square miles of territory, the 
national domain had spread to the vast area of 3, 604,000 square 
miles. Few things, indeed, have been more marvelous than the 
territorial growth of the United States. The purchase of 
Louisiana more than doubled the geographical area of the nation ; 
the several Mexican acquisitions were only second in importance ; 
while the recent Russian cession alone was greater in extent than 
the original thirteen States." (See Map Showing the Territorial 
Growth of the United States.) 

6. The Alabama Difficulty. — During the Civil War, the 
Ahhama and other Confederate cruisers — fitted out in England 
and manned mostly by English sailors — committed serious 
depredations on the commerce of the Union. The refusal of the 
British Government to pay the damages thus done produced 
much bitter feeling, and even threatened war. The difficulty was 
finally (1872) amicably adjusted, England awarding damages to 
the amount of $16,250,000. War was thus happily avei-ted by 
peaceful arbitration. 

7. Santo Domingo. — In 1871 the repul)lic of Santo Domingo, 
comprising a large part of the island of Hayti (hay'-tee),* West 
Indies, applied for admission to the United States. A com- 
mission, sent by President Grant, visited the island, examined 
into its aflfiiirs, and gave a favorable report. The question of 
annexation was debated in Congress, but it met with such violent 
opposition that the application was rejected. 

*Its former name was Hispaniola (eea-pau-yoo'-la ), 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 167 

8. Great Fire in CMcago. — On Sunday, October 8th, 1871, 
a fire was discovered in a small stable on the West side of 
Chicago, and, under a very high wind from the southwest, it 
spread very rapidly northwardly and eastwardly. In less than 
thirty-six hours it swept over 2,125 acres, destroying most of the 
business portion of the city, and much of the residence portion 
also. There were burned 1,600 stores, 28 hotels, 60 churches and 
about 14,800 other buildings. The value of property destroyed 
was : buildings, $53,000,000 ; stocks and machinery, $84,000,000 ; 
household goods and effects, S58,000,000 ; total," $195,000,000. 
There were about 250 lives lost, and 98,500 people rendered 
homeless. 

9. Grant Re-Elected. — In the Presidential election in the 
autumn of 1872, the Liberal Republicans nominated Horace 
Greeley of New York, who was endorsed by the Democrats 
also. The Republicans re-nominated Grant, who ,was elected, 
with Henry Wilson as Vice-President. 

Greeley died shortly after the election, November 29th, 1872. 
His death was caused by the excitement and anxiety attending 
the canvass. 

10. Great Fire in Boston. — On November 9th, 1872, a very 
destructive fire occurred in Boston. It was not checked till the 
following day. 65 acres in the very heart of the business portion 
of the city were burned over. There were 776 buildings 
destroyed, and 14 lives lost. Loss on buildings was estimated at 
$13,590,000 ; on contents, $60,000,000 ; total, $73,590,000. 

11. The Modoc War.— In the spring of 1872, the Modoc 
Indians occupying the southern shore of Lake Klamath, Oregon, 
were ordered by the Government to remove to a new reservation. 
These Indians, who had been greatly mistreated by former U. S. 
agents, refused to gu ; and in the following November a body of 
troops was sent to force them into compliance. The Modocs 
resisted, kept up the war during the winter, and then retreated 
into an almost inaccessible volcanic region called the lava-beds. 
Here, in the spring of 1873, the Indians were surrounded, but 
not subdued. On iVpril 11th a conference was held between 
them and a peace commission. The treacherous Modocs, whose 
chief was Captain Jack, rose upon the members of the 
comjnission and murdered General Canby and Dr. Thomas in 



168 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

cold blood. The Modocs were then besieged in their strongholds. 
On June 1st (1873), they were compelled to surrender. Captain 
Jack and several other chiefs were tried by court-martial and 
hanged in October. 

12. The Great Financial Panic of 1873.— In the autumn of 
1873 occurred one of the most disastrous financial panics known 
in the history of the United States. The alarm was given by the 
failure of the great banking-house of Jay Cooke & Company' of 
Philadelphia. Other failures followed in rapid succession. Busi- 
ness everywhere was paralyzed, and many mouths elapsed before 
confidence was sufficiently restored to enable merchants and 
bankers to resume the usual transactions of trade. The causes of 
this monetary panic were a wild spirit of speculation, and 
fluctuation in the volume and value of the national currency. 

13. The Year of Epidemics. — The yeai' 1873 was remarkable 
for the prevalence of Cholera, Small Fox, Epizootic (ep-e-zo-ot'-ic) 
Distemper and Yellow Fever, which swept thousands into eternity. 
The Epizootic Distemper affected horses principally. 

14. Troubles with Spain. — The Steamer Virginius, a U. S. vessel 
containing "fillibusters" to aid the Cubans, was captured by the 
Spanish authorities, in the fall of 1873, and all her crew, except 
18 were shot in Cuba. The Spaniards entertained some ill-feeling 
toward the United States because of this apparent interference 
in the affairs of the island, but the course of the fillibusters was 
disavowed, and Spain was satisfied. 

15. Visit of the Grand Duke Alexis. — Alexis, Grand 
Duke of Russia, visited the United States in 1873, and was 
grandly entertained. He was much esteemed by all that came 
in contact with him. He expressed his liking for our people and 
institutions. 

16. Troubles in Louisiana. — During the years 1873 and 1874, 
difficulties prevailed in Louisiana, which threatened the peace of 
the country. There were two rival governors — William P. 
Kellogg, Republican, and John McEnery, Democrat ; and 
rival legislatures were elected. For a while the State was in a 
condition bordering on anarchy. A large party opposed to the 
administration of Kellogg, whom the Federal Government sus- 
tained, rose in arms and took possession of the State-House. 
Kellogg appealed to the President for help. Tlie opposing party 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 169 

were ordered to disperse, and U. S. troops were sent to New 
Orleans to enforce the order. (See Hayes's Administration, for 
account of further troubles in this State.) 

17. King Kalakaua's Visit. — The year 1875 was distinguished 
by the visit to the United States of ICalakaua (kal-a-kaw'-ah) of 
the Sandwich Islands, Pacific Ocean He came to learn some- 
thing of our Government, national character, public institutions, 
etc. He was hospitably entertained, and returned home well 
pleased and benefitted. 

18. Colorado Admitted. — Colorado — the "Centennial State" — 
was admitted as the thirty-eighth State, August 1st, 1876. Its 
name is of Spanish origin — of doubtful meaning. It was settled 
in 1852 by some gold miners. 

19. Demise of Some Eminent Men — The last years of the 
Republic have been noted for the number of public men who 
have fallen by the hand of death. Edward M. Stanton, Sec'y of 
War under Lincoln, died in December, 1869. Gen, Rob't E. 
Lee, President of Washington and Lee University, Gen. George 
H. Thomas and Admiral Farragut passed away in 1870. 
William H. Seward, Prof. Morse, Horace Greeley and Gen. 
Meade were called from their earthly labors in 1872. Chief- 
Justice Chase died in 1873 ; and in 1874, Senator Charles 
Sumner expired. Ex-President Andrew Johnson, John C. 
Breckinridge and Vice-President Henry Wilson died in 1875. 

20. The Custar Slaughter — During the last year of 
President Grant's Administration, the country was disturbed by a 
war with the Sioux (soo) Indians. At variance with a 
previous treaty, these Indians delayed to occupy the government 
reservation ; and taking advantage of the discovery of gold among 
the Black Hills — territory partly within the reservation, and 
invaded by gold hunters — the Sioux likewise disregarded the 
limits of the reserved district, and roamed at large through 
Wyoming and Montana Territories, burning houses, stealing 
horses, and murdering whoever opposed them. In 1876 the 
Government undertook to drive them upon their reservation. A 
large force of soldiers under Generals Terry and Crook was sent 
against them, and found the Sioux, led by their noted chief, 
Sitting Bull, near the Big Horn Mountains and River, in the 
region of the Upper Yellowstone. In July, Gen. George A. 



170 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

CusTAR, with a detachment of 250 soldiers, charged into the 
Indian encanipmeut. The Sioux numbered 2,000 under Sitting 
Bull. Of the details of the struggle that ensued, very little is 
known. Every man in the detachment, including Custar himself, 
was killed — not a man sui'vived to tell the tale. Custar and his 
men were horribly mutilated. Information of the slaughter was 
afterward given by friendly Indians who learned the particulars 
from the Sioux warriors. In November (1870), the Sioux were 
defeated at a pass in the Big Horn Mountains. The remaining 
bands liave since been subdued. 

The destruction of Custar's detachment was similar to that of 
Major Dade's, during the Seminole war in Florida, in 1835, 
related in the account of the Seminoles (page 106, Topic 9). 

21. The Centennial Exhibition. — 1876 the great Centennial 
— the hundredth year of our existence as an independent nation 
— was celebrated at Philadelphia, by the grandest Exposition the 
world ever saw. Specimens of about all the country had produced, 
invented or manufactured during the past one hundred years 
were there exhibited. Thousands of things, curious, unique and 
wonderful, were to be seen. Representatives from almost every 
nation and country of the earth were there, to witness the gigantic 
progress our Republic had made within that time, and also to 
place on exhibition productions of their own skill and ingenuity. 
The immense buildings to accommodate the Centennial 
Exhibition were in course of erection two years l)ef()re the 
opening of the "great show." The Exposition opened on the 10th 
of May, and closed on the 10th of November — a period of six 
months. Visitors fi'om all parts of the Union and of the world 
thronged the Exhibiti(in Buildings and Groimds. The average 
daily attendance was 100,000 persons. 

On the 4th of July— the greatest day— upward of 275,000 
people assembled to hear the reading of the Declaration of 
Independence from the original document, and to hear the 
oration of Hon. William M. Evarts, the orator of the day. 

22. Visit of Dom Pedro,— The year 1876 is also signalized by 
the visit to this country, of DoM Pedro, emperor of Brazil, 
South America. He visited all the places of note, attended the 
Great Centennial, studied our Government, and made a favorable 
impression. He returned to His emj)ire, highly gratified with his 
visit. 



>fATIONAL PERIOD. 171 

HAYES'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1877— 

1. Presidential Election of 1876. — The Democrat? nominated 
Samuel J. I'ilden of New York and Thomas A. Hendricks 
of Indiana ; the I\epul:)licans nominated Rutherford B. Hayes 
of Ohio and William A. Wheeler of New York. A third — 
the Independent Greenback — party also appeared, and presented , 
as candidates Peter Cooper of New York and Samuel F. 
Gary of Ohio. 

The canvass was an exciting one, each party striving hard to 
win. Owing to some irregularities in Louisiana, South Carolina 
and Florida, the election was contested, and during the suspense 
of investigation, the whole country was excited. 

2. The Electoral Tribunal. — To adjust the election difficul- 
ties, it was finally decided to leave the selection of a President to 
the arbitration of an Electoral Tribunal, consisting of five 
members of the Senate— three of whom to be Republicans ; and two, 
Democi'ats ; five members of the House — three to be Democrats; 
and two, Republicans ; and four judges of the Supreme Court, 
who were to select a fifth as referee ; thus making fifteen in the 
Tribunal. 

After examining the election returns from all the States, the 
Tribunal in February, 1877, decided in favor of Hayes and 
Wheeler, who were accordingly inaugurated, March 5th, 1877. 

3. More Trouble in Louisiana. — In 1876-7 political troubles 
again afiflicted Louisiana. Packard, Republican, and Nichols, 
Democrat, both claimed the governorship — the former lieing 
sustained by the General Government, the latter by the people. 
Tiie Nichols's Gcjvernraent was finally triumphant, and peace and 
good order have since been restored. 

4. Troubles in South Carolina. — In the year 1877, similar 
troubles existed in South Carolina — Hampton, Democrat, and 
Chamberlain, Republican, contending for gubernatorial honors 
and responsibility. The former was the choice of the people, but 
the latter was sustained for a while by the opposing party in 
power. Hampton's authority was finally recognized, and good 
government has since prevailed in this unfortunate State, 



172 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



PRESIDENTIAL. 

1. Our Presidents.— The names of the variou-; Presidents and 
Vice-Presidents of the United States, in the order of their election, 
are : 

PRESIDENTS. VICE-PRESIDENTS. 



1. Geo. Washington- -1789-1 797— 2 terms- -_Jb/i?i Adams. 

2. John Adams 1797-1801— 1 term Thomas Jeprson. 

3. Tho's Jefferson---180M809-2 terms- { jf'''"' ^'fV; 

I George (Jlinton. 

4. JamesMadison— -1809-1817— 2 terms. I ^f'^j ^^jf^^^' 

( Mormge (Jerry. 

5. James Monroe 1817-1825—2 terms_--i). D. Tompkins. 

6. John Q. Adams 1825-1829—1 term_ __Jo/in G. Qdhoun. 

7. Andrew Jackson- -1829-1837-2 terms- \ '^Jl^''] ^; ^'o/Ziown. 

( Mart. VanBuren. 

8. Martin Van Buren- 1837-1841—1 term_ _ -R. M. Jolnisoa. 

9. Wm.H.Harrison*-1841-1841—l month-. Jo/m Tyler. 

10. John Tyler 1841-1845— By. 11 m-Pres.Sen.protem. 

11. James K. Polk 1845-1849—1 term_ - Meo. M. Dallas. 

12. Zachary Taylor-- -1849-1850—1 y. 4 m.. Millard Fillmore. 

13. Millard Fillmore- -1850-1853—2 y. 8 m-_Pm. Sen.protem. 

14. Franklin Pierce-- -1853-1857— 1 term---TFm. R. King. 

15. James Buchanan- -1857-1861 — 1 term J. C. Breckinridge. 

16. Abraham Lincoln- -1S61-1 865-4 y. 1 m j Jjan'j Hamlin, 

•' (A. Johnson. 

17. Andrew Johnson--1865-1869— 3 y. 11 m-Pres. Sen.protem. 

( Colfax, 

18. U.S.Grant 1869-1877 2 terms _ ] Wikon, 

{ Ferry. 

19. R. B. Hayes 1877 Wm. A. Wheeler. 

*In case of the President's death, resignation, removal from office, 
or inability to discharge its duties, tlie Vice-President takes his phice ; 



NATIONAL PERIOD, 173 

2. Facts Concerning the Presidents. — From the history of the 
Presidents we learn the following facts : 

Virginia .had five — Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe 
and Tyler. 

Massachusetts had two — John Adams and John Quincy Adams. 

New York had two — Van Buren and Fillmore. 

Pennsylvania had one — Buchanan. 

New Hampshire had one — Pierce. 

Ohio had two — Harrison and Hayes. 

Tennessee had three — Jackson. Polk and Johnson. 

Louisiana had one — Taylor. 

Illinois had two — Lincoln and Grant. 

Of these 19 Presidents 9 were from free States, and 10 from 
^lave States. 

Those serving two terms were: Washington, Jefferson, Mad- 
ison, Monroe, Jackson and Grant. 

Harrison, Taylor and Lincoln died in office, and Tyler, Fillmore 
and Johnson, Vice-Presidents, then became Presidents. 

Madison was President during the War of 1812. 
Polk " " " " Mexican War. 

Lincoln " " " " Civil War. 

The average age of the Presidents, at the time of inauguration, 
Hi'st term, was 57 years. 

Three of them — John Adams, Jefferson and Monroe — died on 
the 4tll of July. 

The Federals elected two — John Adams and John Quincy 
Adams. 



and in case of the Vice-President's disability, the president of the Senate 
pro tempore officiates as President. In case there is no president of 
the Senate: the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall act as 
President. The President is commander-in-chief of the army and navy, 
and with the consent of the Sfenate, makes treaties, and appoints ministers, 
consuls, judges of the Supreme Court and other officers. 



174 HISTOKY OF THK UNITED STATES. 

The Republicans (the old Republicans, as opposed to the 
Federalists), elected two — Jefferson and Madison. 

The Democrats elected ^ve— Jackson, Van Buren, Polk, Pierce 
and Buchanan. 

The WMgS elected two — Harrison and Taylor. 

The Republicans (new) elected three — Lincoln, Grant and 
Hayes. 

Washington and Monroe were elected without opposition. 



RECAPITULATION. 

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS RECORDED IN SECTION V. 

(national period) 

1865. President Lincoln assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, 

April 14th. 
1865, Andrew Johnson, Vice-President, becomes President, 

April 15th. 
1865, Amnesty Proclamation issued by Pres. Johnson, May 29th. 

1865, The Thirteenth Amendment passed by Congress, Dec. 18th. 

1866, The Civil Rights Bill passed by Congress, April 9th. 
1866, The Atlantic Cable successfnlly laid, June. 

1866, The Fenians invade Canada, but are suppressed by the 

U. S., June. 

1867, Nebraska admitted as the 37th State, March 1st. 
1867, Alaska purchased by the U. S., April. 

1867, Maximilian shot by the Liberals of Mexico, June 16th. 

1867, Reconstruction Act passed over the President's veto. 

1868, Impeachment Trial of President Johnson ends in his 

acquittal, March 23d. 
1868, AH the Seceded States re-admitted. 
1868, FuU Pardon and Amnesty granted to all without exception, 

July 4th. 
1868, The Fourteenth Amendment passed by Congress, July 28th. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 175 

1868, General Sherman suppresses the Indian War in the South 
West. 

1868, Important Treaty made with China. 

1869, Grant inaugurated 18th President, March 4th. 

1869, The Pacific Railroad completed, and opened, May 10th. 

1869, Edwin M. Stanton died, December. 

1870, The Fifteenth Amendment adopted, March 30th. 
1870, The Last Census taken— population 38,587,000. 

1870, Robt. E. Lee, Gen. G. H. Thomas and Adm'l Farragut died. 

1871, Santo Domingo appHes for admission, but is refused. 

1871, A Great Fire destroys a large portion of Chicago, Oct. 8-9. 

1872, Wm. H. Seward, Prof. Morse, Horace Greeley and Gen. 

Meade died. 

1872, The Alabama difficulty settled. 

1782, A Great Fire breaks out in Boston, Nov. 9th. 

1872, Grant re-elected President, November, 

1873, Great Financial Panic in the U. S. 
1873, The Modoc Indians subdued, June. 

1873, Cholera, Small Pox, Epizootic and Yellow Fever, in U. S. 
1873, Cuban "Fillibusters," of the Virginius, executed in Cuba. 
1873, The Grand Duke Alexis of Russia visits the U. S. 

1873, Chief- Justice Chase died. 

1873-74, The Kellogg and McEnery troubles afflict Louisiana. 

1874, Senator Charles Sumner died. 

1875,. Andrew Johnson, John C. Breckinridge and Henry Wil- 
son died. 

1875, Kalakaua, king of the Sandwich Islands, visits the U. S, 

1876, The Great Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia opened, 

May 10th. 
1876, Colorado admitted as the 38th State, August 1st. 
1876, Gen. Geo. A. Custar's entire detachment slaughtered by the 

Sioux, July. 
1876, Dom Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, visits the IT. S. 
1876, The Great Centennial Exhibition closes, Nov. 10th. 



176 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

1876, The Sioux defeated in the Big Horn Mountains, November. 

1876, The Presidential election contested, Nov. and Dec. 

1877, The NichoUs and Packard troubles afflict Louisiana. 
1877, The Electoral Tribunal awards the Presidency to Hayes and 

Wheeler, February. 
1877, Hayes and Wheeler inaugurated, March 5th. 
1877. The Hampton-Chamberlain trouble afflicts South Carolina. 




NATIONAL PERIOD. 177 



ORIGIN OF THE NAMES OF THE STATES— REVIEWED. 

The various States derived their names as follows : 

Maine means the main-land. 

New Hampshire, from the county of Hampshire, England. 

Vermont, from two French words verd and m(mt, meaning 
"Green Mountains," 

Massaclllisetts, from an Indian word meaning •' The place of great 
Rills." 

Rhode Island, from the Island of Rhodes, in the Med'fr'ean sea. 

Connecticut, from an Indian word signifying "Long River." 

New York, in honor of the Duke of York, England. 

New Jersey, in honor of the governor of Jersey Island, coast 
of France. 

Delaware, in honor of Lord Delaware. 

Pennsylvania, fi'om Penn and Sylvia (woods) meaning " Penn's 
woods." 

Maryland, in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria. 

Virginia, in honor of Elizabeth, the " Virgin Queen." 

North Carolina, ( In honor of Charles II, of England. 
South Carolina, \ Charles, in Latin, is Carolus. 

Georgia, in honor of George II, of England. 

Florida, a Spanish word meaning "^/oomingr." 

Alabama, an Indian word meaning "Here vje Rest." 

Mississippi, an Indian word meaning "Great Father of Waters." 



178 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Louisiana, in lienor of Louis XIV, of France. 
Texas, origin doubtful, but supposed to be a Mexican word. 
Arkansas, from the name of a trihe of Indmns. 
Missouri, an Indian word meaning "Muddy Waters." 
Tennessee, an Indian word meaning "River with a Great Bend." 
Kentucky, an Indian word meaning "Dark and Bloody Ground." 
Indiana, an Indian word meaning "Indian Ground." 
Illinois, an Indian word meaning "River of Men." 
OMo, an Indian word meaning "Beautiful River." 
Michigan, an Indian word meaning "Great Lakes." 
Wisconsin, an indian word meaning "Gathering of Waters.'' 
Iowa, an Indian'word meaning "Drowsy Ones." 
Minnesota, an Indian word meaning "Cloudy Water." 
Kansas, an Indian word meaning '^ Smoky Water." 
Nebraska, an indian word meaning "Water Valley." 
Nevada, a Spanish word meaning "-S/now Covered." 
California, a character in an old Spanish romance. 
West Virginia, from Virginia proper. 
Oregon, from the Spanish Oregano, wild marjoram. 
Colorado, an Indian word of doubtful meaning. 



1 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 



17S 



ADMISSION OF THE STATES— REVIEWED. 

Besides the 13 Original States : 

Vermont wa^ admitted as the 14th State, March 4, 1791. 



Kentucky 

Tennessee 

Ohio 

Louisiana 

Indiana 

Mississippi 

Dlinois 

Alabama 

Maine 

Missouri 

Arkansas 

Michigan 

Florida 

Texas 

Iowa , 

Wisconsin 

California 

Minnesota 

Oregon 



" " 15th State, June 1, 1792. 

" " 16th State, June 1, 1796. 

" " 17th State, Nov'r 29, 1802. 

" " 18th State, April 8, 1812. 

" " 19th State, Dec'r 11, 1816. 

" " 20th State, Dec'r 10, 1817. 

" " 21st State, Dec'r 3, 1818. 

" " 22d State, Dec'r 14, 1819. 

" " 23d State, March 15, 1820. 

" " 24th State, Aug. 10, 1821. 

" " 25th State, June 15, 1836. 

" " 26th State, Jan'y 26, 1837. 

" " 27th State, March 3, 1845. 

" " 28th State, Dec'r 27, 1845. 

" " 29th State, Dec'r 28, 1846. 

" " 30th State, May 29, 1848. 

" " 31st State, Sept. 9, 1850. 

•' " 32d Slate, May 11, 1858. 

" " 33d State, Feb'y 14, 1859. 



180 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Kansas was admitted as the 34th State, Jan'y 29, 1861. 
W. Virginia" " " " 35th State, June 30,1863. 

Nevada " " " " 36th State, Oct'r 31, 186?; ^ 
Nebraska " " " " 37th State, March 1, 1867. 
Colorado " " " " 38th State, Aug- 1,1876. 

What States were admitted during Washington's Administra- 
tion? During Jefferson's Administration? During Madison's 
Administration ? During Monroe's Administration ? During 
Jackson's administration ? During Tyler's Administration ? 
During Polk's Administration ? During Fillmore's Adminis- 
tration? During Buchanan's Administration? During Lincoln's 
Administration? During JohiHon's Administration? During 
Grant's Administration? Name the Administrations during 
which no States were admitted ? 



NATIONAL PERIOD 181 



EMINENT AMERICAN INVENTORS. 

Benjamin Franklin, inventor of the Lightning-rod * 1752. 

Eli Whitney, inventor of the Gottm-Gin 1793. 

Thomas Blanchard, inventor of the Tack-Machine 1806. 

R.obert Fulton, inventor of the Steamboat 1807. 

Jethro Wood, inventor of the Modern cast-iron Plow 1819. 

Ross Winans, inventor of the R. R. Pasi^enger-car 1828. 

Samu'l F. B. Morse, inventor of the Electric Telegraph 1837. 

Charles Goodyear, inventor of Vtdcanized Rubber 1839. 

Elias Howe, inventor of the Sewing Machine 1843. 

Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the Harvesting-machine 1845. 

James Lyall, inventor of the Positive-motion Loom 1868. 

James B. Eads, originator and constructor of the great steel 
bridge over the Mississippi at 8t, Louis, 1867 ; and of 
the jetties below New Orleans, 1876. 

Prof. Graham Bell, inventor of the Telephone 1877. 

Thomas A. Edison, inventor of the talking Phonograph 1877. 

AMERICANS EMINENT IN LITERATURE AND ART. 

Benjamin Franklin, Uterary, political and scientific writer. 

Johnathan Edwards, metaphysician. 

Noah Webster, lexicogapher. 

Bowditch and Rittenhouse, mathematicians. 

The Audubons, naturalists. 

Irving, novelist, historian and biographer. 

Cooper and Brown, novelists. 

Prescott,- Bancroft, Motley and Headley, liistoriaus. 

Freneau, Bryant, Longfellow, Willis and Whittier, poets. 

Powers and Greenough, sculptors. 

Copley, Stuart, Trumbull, Vanderlyn, Allston, Peale and 

Sully, i)ainters. 



182 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CONCLUSION. 
PRESENT CONDITION AND PROSPECTS. 

The History of the United States has been traced to a time so 
recent that the events to, be mentioned have not yet become 
historical. 

The great Civil War, though terrible in its erfecUs, left also its 
good results. The emancipation of the slaves has been a benefit 
to the South, and removed the chief cause of sectional contention. 
The people of both extremes have become better acquainted, and 
many prejudices have been obliterated. 

If the heat of party spirit and the prevalent strife for oflScial 
power do not bring about a downfall, our Republic must become 
the most prosperous and influential nation on the globe: our 
agricultural resources are unlimited ; our mineral supply is 
inexhaustible ; and our manufacturing facilities are unsurpassed. 

Labor is more highly respected and better remunerated in the 
United States, than in any other country, and the working-class 
are happier and more enlightened. American mechanics and 
manufacturers have made the United States justly famous for hei' 
inventions and improvements ; and her manufactures now 
compete with those of England and France in the markets of 
the world. 



NATIONAL PERIOD. 183 

All forms of religion are tolerated, and any person can worship 
as his conscience may dictate. Freedom of the Press and of 
speech is unrestricted, and all that obey the laws are protected in 
life, property and political rights. 

The Public School System of the land is second to none in 
the world, and very few persons are unacquainted with the 
rudiments of an English education. 

While studying the history of our country, we cannot restrain 
ieelings of national pride, and of gratitude to the God of 
Nations for his manifold bles.sings. The dark clouds of internal 
strife and of financial depression that recently hovered overhead 
have dispersed, and the golden rays of Peace and Prosperity 
gleam again with brightening lustre. The Past has taught its 
lessons of experience ; the Present demands its duty; and the 
Future promises the fulfillment of fondest hopes. 



TOPICAL INDEX. 



ADAMS, John 83 

Adams, JohnQuincy 104 

" and Jefferson, death of. 105 

Adams's election and inauguration, 

John 83 

Adams's election and inauguration, 

John Quincy 104 

Admission of the States 179 

Affairs at the close of 1801 135 

Agriculture and manufactures (1763) 50 

Alabama difficulty, the 166 

" settlement and adm's'on of 103 

Alabama and the Kearsarge, the 147 

Alaska, purchase of 163 

Alexis, visit of the Grand Duke 168 

Algiers, war with 93 

Alien and Sedition Laws, the 83 

Amendment to the Const'ut'n, 13th 162 

" " " 14th 164 

" " " 15th 165 

America discovered by Columbus... 14 

" supposed discovery of. 12 

American Reverses (1776), effect of... 62 

Amnesty Proclamation, the 162 

Ancient Remains 11 

Andre, the captors of 70 

Arkansas, settl'm't andadmis'n of... 109 

" secedes 132 

Arnold's Treason 69 

" Depredations 70 

Assembly, first colonial.... 32 

Asiatic Cholera 105 

Atlantic Telegraph''Cable laid 162 

Atlanta, capture of 148 

Authors of a half century 94 



BACON'S REBELLION 33 

Ball's Bluff, battle of 134 

Bank, the first national 92 

" of the United States, the 108 

Banks's Expedition, Gen 146 

Battles of the Revolution, table of... 73 

" " " War of 1812 95 

" " " Texan War 107 

" " " Mexican War 116 

" " " Civil W., won by Con. 150 
" " " " " " " Fed. 151 
" " " " " indecisive.... 153 
" the Seven Days' (1862) 140 



Benevolence Abroad 161 

Bennington, battle of 64 

Black Hawk's War 105 

Blockade, the » 134 

Boston Port Bill 54 

" evacuation of 59 

" great fire in 167 

" Tea Party, the 55 

Boundary of the U. S. (1783) 71 

Braddock's Defeat 47 

Brandywine, battle of 64 

British evacuate New Jersey, the... 63 

" Depredations 68 

" repulsed at Fort Moultrie... 59 

Brown's Raid, John 128 

Buchanan's Elect'n and Inaug'rat'n 127 

Buena Vista, battleof 113 

Bull Run, first battle of 133 

" effect of battle of. 134 

" " second battle of 140 

Bunker Hill, battle of 57 

" effect of battle of 58 

" " monument (note) .58 

Burgoyne's Army 63 

" Surrender 65 

" Defeat, effect of 66 

Burr's career after the duel 85 



CABOTS, the 20 

Cabinet, Washington's 81 

Calhoun, death of John C 125 

California and New Mexico conq'r'd 113 

" admission of 125 

" discovery of gold in 115 

Camden, battle of 68 

Campaign of 1778, close of the 67 

" 1862 136 

" effect of McClellan'e 140 

Canal, Erie 102 

Canada, invasion of 58 

Carolinas settled, the 42 

Carroll, death of Charles 108 

Cedar Mountain, battle of 140 

Census, the firstand the last 165 

Centennial Exhibition, the 170 

Cerro Gordo, battle of 114 

Champlain's Enterprise 20 

Champlain, battle on lake 91 

Chancellorsville, battle of 144 



186 



TOPICAL INDEX. 



C'hailcston (1780), the fall of G8 

Charter Oak, the 38 

Chattanooga, battle of 1411 

C'herokees, removal of the 100 

Chesapeake, losH of the 89 

Chicamauga, battle of 145 

China, treaty with 104 

Chippewa, battle of 90 

Cholera, Asiatic 105 

Civil War, remote causes of the 130 

" " preparations for 131 

" " first blood of the 132 

" " cost of the 161 

" " battlesofthe 150 

Civil Bights Bill, the 162 

Clay, death of Henry 126 

Clayborne's Kebellion 42 

Cold Harbor, battle of 147 

Colleges before the Revolution 50 

Colonization Society, the 102 

Colored Troops, the 144 

Colorado, settlement and adm's'n of.. 169 

Colonize, English attempt to 22 

Colonies, the 13 English 29 

Colonial Government, nature of 60 

" Wars, table of 50 

Columbus, birth of 13 

" geeks aid 13 

" outfit of 14 

" America discovered by... 14 

" landing of 14 

" homeward passage of 15 

" other voyages of 15 

" character of 15 

Columbia, District of 82 

Commercial men (1492). object of 13 

Comniisaioners sent to France 62 

Compass, the mariner's 12 

Condition of the country (1783) 72 

Confederate Commissioners captur'd 135 
'■ invasion of Kentucky... HI 

" battles won by the 150 

Congress, the first Continental 56 

" " second " 57 

Connecticut, settlement of 37 

Continental Money 09 

Conscription Act, the 145 

Constitution, adoption of the 72 

Cottou-Gin, invention of the 83 

Cortez, last days of 18 

" Mexico conquered by 16 

Cornwallis, surrender of 71 

Cowpens, battle of the 70 

Crown Point and Ticonderoga 48 

Crystal Palace, the 127 

Cuban Fillibusters 125 

Custar Slaughter, the 169 



DANBURY, Conn., burned 63 

Davih, Jefferson 130 

De Ayllon 18 



Decease of some great meii 108 

Declaration of Independence 59 

Delaware settled 40 

Depredations of the British 68 

Discovery of Gold in California 115 

Discoveries and Explorat'ns, Slap of 28 

District of Columbia 82 

Doctrine, the Monroe 102 

Dom Pedro, visit of '70 

Donelson and Henry, capture of forts 136 

Dred Scott Decision, the 128 

Duel, the Hamilton-Burr 84 

Dutch Discoveries and Explorations, 

e.vtent of ^ 24 

Dutch Discoverers and Explorers 2.') 



EARLY'S RAID, Gen U« 

Effect of victories (Mexican War)... 11.'! 

Electoral Tribunal, the 171 

Epidemics (1873), thc^ year of 168 

Emancipation Proclamation, the 141 

Emigration westward 72 

English Explorations and Posses'ns.. 24 
" Discoverers and Explorers... 25 

" Colonies, the 13 29 

England, resultp of Second War with 92 
Erlckson, America discov'd by Lief. 12 

Erie Canal, the 102 

Eutaw Springs, battle of 70 



FAIR OAKS, Battle of 139 

Federals, battles won by the 151 

Fenians, the 162 

Fillmore, Millard 124 

Financial Affairs (1789) 81 

Panic ot 18.37 109 

" 1873 168 

Fire in New York, great 107 

" " Chicago, " 167 

" " Boston, " 167 

Flag, our 63 

Flags, the rival 132 

Florida discovered 16 

" ceded to the United States... 102 

" settlement and admis'n of... Ill 

Foreign Relations (1797) 81 

Forrest's Raid 147 

Fort Moultrie, British repulsed at... 59 

" Meigs, siege of 88 

" George and Sackett's Harbor... 89 

" Stephenson, defense of. 88 

" Mimms, slaughter at 89 

" Sumter, fall of 132 

" " effect of fall of 132 

Forts H'nryand Don'ls'n, capture of 136 
Forts Henry and Donelson, effects of 

fall of 137 

Four Battles of September (1861), the 141 



TOPICAL INDEX. 



187 



France solicited for aid 62 

" (1798) difficulties with 83 

" and Mexico 103 

French Colony, the first 20 

" Explorations and Posses'ns.. 'M 
" Discoverers and Explorers... 25 

" in America, the 19-43 

" Fleet arrives, the IIG 

" and Indi'n War, caui>'sof the 45 
French and Indian War, points to 

bo gained in '. 46 

French and Indian War, the colonies 

involved in 45 

Fr'nchand Indi'n War, results of the 49 

Free-Masonry 104 

Fredericksburg, battle of 142 

Frenchtown, battle of 88 

Freneau, Philip 108 

Friends in England (Revolution) 55 

Fulton's Steamboat 85 



GADSDEN PURCHASE, the 126 

Geographical Review of Explorati'ns 

and Discoveries '28 

Geographical Review of Territorial 

Growth 122 

Georgia, settlement of 43 

George's War, king 45 

Germantown, battle of 64 

Gilbert, voyage of Sir Humphrey 21 

Gold discovered in California 115 

Gosnold, Bartholomew 22 

Government, nature of Colonial 50 

" seats of the 82 

Giant made Lieutenant-General 146 

" election and inauguration of.. 165 

■' Ulysses S 165 

" re-elected 167 

Greenbacks . 143 

Greene's Retreat, Gen 70 

Guanahani, island of 15 

Guatimozin 17 



HALE, Capt. Nathan 61 

Hamilton-Burr Duel, the 84 

Harper's Ferry seized 133 

Harrison, \Vm. H 110 

" eleeti'nandinaug'rat'n of 110 

Hayes, election of. 171 

Henry, Patrick 55 

Henry and Donels'n, capture of forts 136 

Hessians, the 59 

Hudson, voyages of Henry 22 

" in employ of the Dutch 23 

" again in employ of English.. 23 

" fate of 23 

Ilugueots murdered, the 19 

Hull's Surrender, Gen 87 



ILLINOIS, Settlement and admi.s'n of 103 

Immigrants arrive at Jamestown 31 

Immigration before the Revolution.. 49 

after " " 72-101 

Impeachment trial of Pres't Johnson 163 

Independence, declaration of. 59 

" in N. Carolina (note) 60 

Iniiians, whence came the 12 

" of the southwest 164 

•' the Pequod 37 

Indian War, the first 33 

" " " second 33 

" (1790) 81 

Indian War (1811), battle of Tippe- 
canoe 86 

Indian War (1868) 164 

Indiana, settlement and admission of 93 

Inventors, eminent American 181 

Invasion ot Kentucky, Confederate... 141 

" " JMaryland, Lee's 144 

Iowa, settlement and admission of... Ill 
Island of Guanahani 15 



JACKSON, Andrew 

Jackson, election and inaug'rat'n of 

" in the Shenandoah 

" Stonewall 

Jareestown, settlement at 

'■ settlers at 

" Colony, gov'm'nt of the 

" " condit'n of the.. 

Jamestown, colony at st'rvat'n point 

Jamestown Colony, a second charter 

granted 

Jamestown Colony, a third charter 

granted 

Jamestown Colony, more immigrants 

arrive at 

Jamestown Colonists buy wives 

Japan, treatj' with 

Jefferson, Thomas 

. '• election and iuang'ra!t'n of 

" and Adams, death of 

Johnson, Andrew 

'• impeachment trial of 

Jones's Exploit, Paul 



105 
105 
139 
134 

29 
30 
:*) 

31 
31 



31 
32 
127 
84 
83 
105 
160 
163 
68 



KALAKAUA'S VISIT 169 

Kansas, settlement and admission of 129 

Kansas-Nebraska Bill, the 127 

Kearsarge, the 147 

Kentucky, settlem'nt andadmis'n of 92 
" confederate invasion of... 141 

Kidd, story of Robert 40 

Kins Philip's War 36 

" William's War, causes of 43 

" George's " events of. .. ., 45 

" the end of 45 

Kings Mountain, battle of 70 



188 



TOPICAL INDEX. 



LA FAYETTE, Marquis de 04 

La Fayette, visit of 102 

Lake George, battle of 47 

Landing of the Puritans 14 

La Salle, explorations of 20 

Lee, conduct of Gen. Charles 07 

" Robert E 150 

Lee's Invasion of Maryland 144 

Lewis and Clarke, expedition of 85 

Lexington, battle of Slj 

effect of battle of 56 

Liberty, ripe for 56 

Lincoln, Abraham 120 

•' electi'n and inaugurat'n of 12i) 

effect of his election 129 

" re-elected 149 

assassinated 160 

Lincoln's successor lOO 

Literature and Art, emi't Amer's in 181 

Locke, the laws of 43 

Long Island, battle of 61 

Lopez executed 126 

Louisbiirg, captureof 47 

Louisiana Province, purchase of 84 

settlem't and adm's'n of 9:5 

" troubles in 168 

" moretroubles in 171 

Lundy'sLane, battle of 90 



MACKINAW aud Queenstown taken 87 

Madison, James 86 

clect'nandinauguratln of 85 

death of 109 

Magnetic Telegraph, the Ill 

Maine, settlement of 37 

admission of 103 

Manhattan taken by the English 39 

Manufactures and Agriculture(1763) 50 
Map showing Ter'it'l growth of U.S. 121 

Marquette, explorations of 20 

Marshall, John 108 

Maryland, settlement of ;.. 41 

Clayborne's rebellion in 42 

, " religious troubles in 42 

" Lee's Invasion of 144 

Mason and Dixon's Line 42 

Massachusetts Bay Colonv settled... 35 

Massacre at Wyoming .....". 67 

Maximilian shot 163 

Meadows, battle of the Great 46 

Meigs, seige of fort 88 

Melendez, enterprise of 18 

Merrimac and the monitor, the 138 

Mexico discovered and conquered.. 16 

" capture ef the city o! 114 

" and France 163 

Mexican War, causes of the 112 

" " results of the 114 

" battles of the 116 

Michigan, settlem't and adm's'n of 109 
Mill Spring, battlcof 136 



Mimms, .slaughter at fort 89 

Minnesota, settlem't and adn's'n of 128 

Mississippi river discovered 18 

" settlem't and admis'n of 10:5 

Missouri Compromise, the ^... 103 

" settlement aud admis'n of 103 

Mistaken ideas of both sections 131 

INIcCleiran's Campaign, effect of 140 

McCrea, death of Miss 64 

Modoc War, the 167 

Money, Continental 69 

Monitor, the 138 

Monmouth, battle of 67 

Monroe, James 101 

' ' election and inauguration 101 

" Doctrine, the....; 102 

deathof 108 

Montezuma and his fate 16 

Monterey, capture of 113 

Monument, Bunker Hill (note) 58 

Morgan's Raid, John - 145 

Mormons, the 11 ( 

" troubles with the 128 

Moultrie, British repulsed at fort.. .59 

Murfeesboro, battle of 142 

Mutiny Act, the 54 



NARVAEZ, expedition of 18 

Nashville, battle of 149 

Nebraska, settlem't aud adm's'onof 163 

Negro troops, the 144 

Navada, settlement and adm'.s'n of 148 

New Netherland 23 

" Hamp.shire. settlement of 157 

" England Colonies, Uui'n of the 37 

" York, settlement of 39 

" " thoubles of the settlers.. 39 

" " under English rule :>9 

'' " great fire in 107 

" Jersev, settlement of 40 

" Orleans, battle of 91 

fall of 138 

■' Mexico and California conq'd 113 

Newspaper, the first 50 

Niagara, capture of 48 

North t;aroliua secedes 132 

Northwest Territory organized, the 72 
Northern Bound'y of the U. S. fix'd 115 
Nullifiers of South Carolina 106 



OHIO, settlement andadmissiod of... 93 

Omnibus bill, Clay's 1'25 

Opprekisive Acts of Parliament 54 

Oregon, settlement and admis.sionof 1'29 
Original 13 States, tlie 60 



TOPICAL INDEX. 



189 



PACIFIC OCEAN discovered 16 

Rail Road, the 165 

Polo Alto, battle of 112 

Panic of 1837, financial 109 

" 1873, " 168 

Pardons offered by the British 61 

Paris, treaty of (1763) 48 

Parties, (1789) political 72 

Partisan Patriots 69 

Paul Jones's Exploit 68 

Peace.— Treaty of Paris (1763)..: 48 

" end of Revolution 71 

Peacock, capture of the 88 

Pea Ridge, battle of 137 

Pequod Indians, the 37 

Pennsj-lvania, settlement of 41 

Perry's Victory 89 

Petersburg and Richmond, faU of... 149 

Philadelphia laid out 41 

Philip's War, King 36 

Pierce, Franklin r26 

'• election and inaugurat'n of 126 

Plymouth, .settlement at 34 

"" Colony, progress of the... 35 

treaty with the Indians.. 35 

Pocahontas 30 

Politics (1816) 101 

Potk, James K 112 

" election and inauguration t:12 

Pontiac's War 49 

Preparations for Ci\'il War 131 

Presidential election of 1876 171 

Presidents, table of our 172 

" facts concerning our 173 

Proclamation, the emancipation 141 

Puritans, character of the., 34 

" hardships of the 35 

." legal voters among the 36 

" intolerance of the .36 



QUAKERS, Puritan perse'tion of the 36 

Quebec taken 48 

Queen Anne's War, cause of 44 

" " " involves New 

England 44 

Queen Anne's War, suffering in 44 

RAIL ROAD, the first..... 105 

Raleigh, enterprise of 21 

fate of 21 

Randolph, John 108 

Reconciliation, the English attem't 66 

Religious Toleration 49 

Republic, a Federal 79 

" each State a 79 

•' branches of a 79 

" legislative power of a 79 

•' executive power of a 80 

" judicial power of a 80 



Resacadela Palma, battle of 113 

Retreat, Gen. Greene's 70 

Reverses, (1776) effect of 62 

Revolution, causes of the 54 

" end of the 71 

after the 71 

battles of the 73 

Rhode Island, settlement of 38 

" " obtains a charter 38 

Richmond and Petersburg, fall of... 149 



SAN JUAN DE ULLOA, capture of.... 114 

Santo Domingo 166 

Schenectady, massacre of 44 

Seats of our Government 82 

Seceded States re-admitted n64 

Seminolesthe 102 

Seminole War, the 107 

Settlements to close of Revolution.. 77 

Seven Days's Battles, (1862) the 140 

Sewing-machine, the 110 

Sherman's March to the Sea 149 

Shenandoah Valley, Jackson in the 139 

Shiloh, battle of 137 

" effect of battle of 137 

Situation (1861), the 131 

Slavery, introduction of 32 

'• question, the 81 

Slave.Trade abolished, the 85 

Smith, Capt. John 30 

" capture of John 30 

Smithsonian Institute, the 115 

Soldiers turn citizens (1865), the 161 

South Carolina, the nuUifiersof 106 

" " troublesin 171 

Sioux War (1862) the 143 

Spanish Explorations and Posses'ns 23 
" Discoveries, and Explor't'ns 28 
" Discoverers and Explorers 24 

Spain (1873), troubles with 168 

Speculation Rife (187.3) 108 

Spottsylvania, battle of 147 

St. Avigustine .settled 19 

St. Lawrence discovered, the 19 

Stamp Act, the 54 

Star of the West, the 131 

States, the original -13 60 

" admission of the 179 

" the seceded 133 

" seceded States re-admitted 164 
* origin of the names of the 177 

Steamboat, the first 85 

Stephenson, defense of fort 88 

Stony Point, capture of 68 

Sumter, fall of the fort 132 

eftect of fall of fort 132 



TARIFF, high protective 104 



190 



TOPICAL INDEX. 



Tariff, high protective defined (nota) 104 

Tax on Tea resisted 55 

Taylor, Zachary 124 

" election and inaug'rat'n of 124 

death of 124 

Tea Party, the Boston 55 

Tolegraph, the Magnetic Ill 

Cable, the Atlantic 162 

Tennessee, settlement and admiss'n 92 

" secedes 132 

Territory, the Northwest 72 

Texan War, the 106 

" •' battles of the 107 

Texas, Settlement and admission of 111 

Thames, battle of the 90 

Ticon deroga , capture of 48-57 

Tippecanoe, battle of 86 

Town, theoldest 19 

Treason, Arnold's 69 

Treatywith Japan 127 

" China 164 

Trenton, battle of 62 

Trent affair, the 135 

Troops, the colored 144 

TripoU, war with 84 

Two Victor's in 1 day (Mexican War 114 

Tyler, John 110 

" becomes President 110 

UNITED STATES, location of the 11 

•' " north'nbouud'yof 115 

" " alFrs at close of 1801 135 

" " ' at treaty of pejice 

(1783). extent of 71 

United States, present condition and 
prospects 182 

VALLEY FORGE, Washington at m 

Van Buren, Martin 109 

" " elocti'n and inaug'rat'n 109 

Verazzani, voyago of 19 

Vermont, settlement and admis'n of.. 92 
Vespucci, voyage of 15 



Vicksburg, first attempt to take 142 

the fall of 143 

Victories in Mexican War, effect of.. . 113 

Victories on the Ocean (1812) 87 

" inl day (M'xjc'n W'r) two 114 

Virginia a Royal Province .33 

" North and South 34 

" secedes 132 

•' (1861), operations in 133 

admitted. West 133 

WAR OF 1812, Causes of the 86 

War of 1812, results of the 9t) 

" the Texan lOi; 

" with Mexico, causes of the 112 

results of the 114 

" " the 8ioux (1862) 143 

Washington, birth of 46 

W'ashington's Journey across the Al- 

leghanies 46 

Washington's Retreat til 

" Retirement 82 

Cabinet 81 

Washington, commander-in-chief. ... u7 
" electi'n and inaug'rat'n 80 

" death and character of 82 

" City, capture of 90 

" at Valley Forge 06 

Webster, Daniel 126 

Wesley a'nd Whitefield 43 

Westward, emigration 72 

West Virginia 133 

AVilkes's Exploring Expedition (10 

Wilderness, battle of the 147 

W'illiumsburg, battle of 1.39 

Wilson's Creek, battle of 13.") 

Witchcraft 36 

Wisconsin, settlem'nt andadmis'nof 116 
AVyoming, Massacreof 67 

YANKEE DOODLE, origin (note) 65 

York, capture of 88 

Yorktown (1862), siege of i:j9 



